Heroes Never Die: Andriy Shipka

"My son Andriy fought for Ukraine because he believed we should have our own free country," says Yaroslav Mykolayovych Shypka.

Intent continues its series of articles about fallen defenders, “Heroes Never Die.”

Andriy Yaroslavovych Shypka, a driver in the rifle platoon of the 122nd Territorial Defense Brigade, arrived on September 9, 2024, in the Pokrovsk direction to assist his comrades at the “LOKI” position. As a result of a combined attack by enemy artillery and drones, he sustained fatal injuries.

His father, Yaroslav Mykolayovych; his daughter, Tetiana; his son, Andriy; and his brother-in-law, Myron Hrynchyshyn, shared stories about his life, his love of songs and dance, his life principles, and his car adventures.

“Our mom passed away very early, and Dad raised us on his own,” says Tetyana. “I was 11, and my brother was only 5. Dad would wake up at five in the morning and leave for work. But he tried to be home in the evening so we could be together. Over dinner in the kitchen, we’d talk about all sorts of things. I’m the older one, so Dad could talk to me more openly and share his feelings. We were very close. On weekends, we’d go for walks downtown or sit in a café. We often went out into nature—to a lake or the woods.

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PHOTO provided by the interviewees

My father was very kind—to me and my brother, and to everyone in general. He ran a trucking business and was self-employed. He was well known in our village of Bratkovychi and throughout the Lviv region. If needed, he could come to the rescue at any time of day or night. I’m just as kind to people as he was, and I’m always ready to help. And after my dad passed away, I became more determined and responsible.

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PHOTO provided by the interviewees

“Dad taught us that the most important thing is to always remain human. To be honest and to act in a way that you’ll never be ashamed of yourself. In his free time, he loved listening to music, and he enjoyed dancing at celebrations.”

“Andriy and I were married to sisters, Maria and Iryna,” says Myron Hrynchyshyn. “That’s why we called each other ‘brother-in-law.’ For 25 years, we were the closest of friends; Andriy was like a brother to me. My brother-in-law was a good-hearted man. Men are often so tough, sharp-tongued, and hot-tempered. But not him. I could call him 150 times with my problems, and he always picked up the phone.

Andriy lived for his children; he worked from morning till night. In the ’90s, he had a truck, and we’d drive potatoes together to the east—to the Donbas and Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. And then he ran a trucking business here in Lviv Oblast. Often, it involved delivering construction materials. Sometimes clients ran out of money, but the renovation had to be finished. My brother-in-law always went out of his way to help people; he’d help out, and the money could wait—he never made a big deal out of it.

In 2022, we went straight to the military registration and enlistment office. But they were prioritizing guys with ATO experience. My brother-in-law said that when his time came, he’d join the army too.”

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PHOTO provided by interviewees

“Andriy was very kind to his children,” says his father, Yaroslav Mykolayovych. “He managed to raise his children and then went to defend the country. When we spoke for the last time, he said he was heading to the front lines. Now he is with God, and I pray for him. A great many people from our village and neighboring villages attended his funeral, along with colleagues and clients. He was a true hero and believed he had to defend the country; he wanted Ukraine to be free and independent.”

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PHOTO provided by interviewees

“I’m grateful to my dad for so many wonderful moments,” says his son Andriy. “Ever since I was a child, he always took me with him whenever he went anywhere. And for my 18th birthday, my father gave me an Audi A6. I first worked at a car repair shop, and now I’m continuing my father’s business.”

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PHOTO provided by the interviewees

“My dad left for his post on September 6, 2024,” continues his daughter Tetyana. “We were talking, and he said that anything could happen. That I had to be strong and think for both of us—for myself and for my younger brother. On September 9, we lost contact with Dad. For nine months, he was considered missing in action. We lived with faith and hope and tried to find him. On June 7, 2025, we buried him.

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PHOTO provided by the interviewees

One of his comrades told me that our dad was always ready to come to the rescue and risk his own life—whether it was to carry the wounded or to go get water while under fire. My father gave his life for a peaceful sky for his children and for everyone. He is a true hero."

Антон Терехов