Heroes Never Die: Viktor Akchebash

"Viktor was well-versed in the history of the Russian-Ukrainian wars and was convinced that independence could only be achieved by taking up arms," says Oleksiy Isarev of his comrade. Second Lieutenant Viktor Akchebash, commander of the first rifle platoon of the third rifle company of the 122nd Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces, was killed on May 26, 2025. Near Pokrovka in the Krasnopil District of Sumy Oblast, his group was carrying out a mission to reinforce the unit’s positions.

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

His wife Olena, his comrade-in-arms Oleksiy Isarev, and his commander Valentin Kotelny shared stories about Viktor Anatoliyovych Akchebash’s life, his education in history, his beloved daughter Evelina, and his successful military service.

“We met in 2002 when we were both taking the entrance exams for the Faculty of History and Law at Izmail University,” recalls Olena Vasylivna Akchebash. “Viktor had such a strong grasp of history that they told him right away he’d passed the exam. But he was worried that we wouldn’t be able to study together.”

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PHOTO provided by the interviewees

Later, I was the class representative, and Vitya was a top student. But we didn’t get married until 2011. After college, I had a job in Kyiv, while he had a three-year military contract in the Odesa region.

On June 1, 2012, our daughter Evelina was born. She was a daddy’s girl; they had a very close bond. Our daughter trusted her dad completely; she even sometimes called Viktor “my little buddy,” which shocked her caregivers and teachers a bit.

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PHOTO provided by the interviewees

When the full-scale invasion began, my husband immediately said that he considered it his duty to serve in the military and protect his family. In February 2022, Vitya joined the 122nd Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces.”

“We knew each other a little even before the war. I’d stop by the store where Viktor was the senior manager for construction-related matters,” recalls his comrade-in-arms, Oleksiy Isarev. “And in the army, we were together from the very first days.”

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PHOTO provided by interviewees

No one knows why his call sign was “Agronom.” But Viktor had a talent for military service. He was often in a good mood when talking to people, but he approached every task with great diligence.
He started out as a regular rifleman, then became a squad leader, and later a platoon sergeant. Eventually, he was promoted to second lieutenant.

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PHOTO provided by interviewees

“Viktor was highly motivated; I sensed the mindset of a historian in him. He understood Russian imperial policy well and was convinced that we could only win our own state with weapons in our hands.”

“Viktor was a very promising soldier,” says his commander, Valentin Kotelny. “He had already been offered the position of company commander, and I know the guys were behind him. I’m sure he would have handled it well.”

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PHOTO provided by interviewees

I could tell he was 200% patriotic. Even in the toughest situations, Viktor always said he would see the mission through to the end. He’d say, ‘I didn’t join the army to look for easy ways out.’ When I heard that ‘Agronom’ was gone, I didn’t want to believe it at first.”

“This is a loss for us and a scar on my heart. I cried in my car when I heard that Viktor was gone,” adds Oleksiy Isarev.

“The last time we spoke was the day before my husband’s death on May 25,” recalls Olena Vasylivna. “I knew that after leaving his post, he was supposed to have a short leave. Evelina and I were getting ready; we chopped up his favorite Olivier salad. The connection wasn’t very good. Vitya wrote that he had to climb a tree to get internet. His last message was: ‘I love you both very much. Take care of yourselves. Good night.”

I know he chose to serve in the military. Both Viktor and I were born in Moldovan villages in southern Odesa Oblast. But we’ve always felt this sense of patriotism, this desire for justice, honesty, and truth. The desire to protect what’s ours—that was something we both shared. Even back in college, I knew how important our country’s history was to him. And how important it was to interpret it correctly. He was proud of Ukraine. He was a man worthy of his country and a true patriot.” 

Антон Терехов