Heroes do not die: Ivan Prokopovych

"Ivan loved Ukraine very much. And the main thing for him was to drive the enemy out of our land," Olena Prokopovych recalls her husband saying, "He always said: 'You have to defend what you love. Your home, your family, your country."

Intent continues a series of publications about fallen defenders called"Heroes Do Not Die".

Ivan Mykolaiovych Prokopovych, an electrician driver of the 172nd separate battalion of the 120th territorial defense brigade, came to the defense of Ukraine on February 25, 2022. He did not hesitate and did not look for reasons to wait. Since September 2023, his unit has been defending the state border in the Kharkiv region. It was there that the enemy tried to break through at any cost.

PHOTO courtesy of the interviewee

Ivan was directly involved in holding back the offensive. He delivered provisions, ammunition and comrades under constant fire. He worked where it was most difficult. He stayed where it was the most dangerous. While performing his tasks, Ivan Mykolayovych repeatedly risked his life. He showed courage, endurance and true military character.

On May 12, 2024, as a result of artillery shelling of the unit's positions near Starytsia, Ivan Prokopovych died, giving his life for Ukraine.

We talked to the soldier's wife, Olena Volodymyrivna. She knew Ivan not only as a soldier. She knew him as a man of honor, work and responsibility. As a husband, father, and friend who could always be relied on.

PHOTO provided by the interviewee

"We met in 2006," Olena recalls, "I was studying at a medical university, and Ivan had just returned from military service. He always spoke with respect about the army. It was there that he matured, hardened, and made friends. Ivan considered his service a necessary thing. He said it was a man's duty.

In civilian life, Ivan was a man of work. Calm and reliable. He got up early, as early as six o'clock. He always had plans and work. He was smiling and cheerful. Next to him, Olena felt protected, as if behind a stone wall.

Ivan was engaged in construction and interior work. There was always a queue for him. People trusted him with complex projects and large sums of money. They knew he would not let them down.

PHOTO courtesy of the interviewee

Ivan built his own house in six months. He started in February. By August, the family was living in their own home.

The couple has two daughters. The eldest, Yevheniia, is 15 years old. She looks very much like her father. She is just as determined. Yevheniia is a professional violinist. She studies at the Lviv Specialized Music Lyceum. She is already representing Ukraine on tour. Her younger daughter, Oleksandra, is 12 years old. She was a real daddy's girl.

PHOTO provided by the interviewee

"My husband always wanted to live only in Ukraine," says Olena. "He didn't say much, but I knew how much he loved this land.

Ivan received a call from the military enlistment office before the full-scale invasion. He could not hide. It was not about him. Already on February 25, Ivan was mobilized and joined the ranks.

His hands were always needed at the front. He brought his own tools to the unit. He equipped dugouts, repaired cars, and helped in any way he could. He said: "We will earn money later. First we have to drive out the enemy."

Ivan called home almost every day. He left voice messages for his daughters. The last time he got in touch was on May 10. He said that the night was very difficult. He said he hardly slept. And two days later he was gone.

"I am proud of his choice," says Olena, "He did not die crossing the Tisza. Ivan acted like a real man."

Ivan'sbrothers-in-arms visit the family whenever they can. They help and support.

Olena joined the volunteer work. She raises money for drones for the army. "This is my mission," she says, "I am continuing his work. I live the way my husband would have lived. It is people like these who make up our strength. It is from them that the victory and the future of Ukraine are born."

Антон Терехов