Remembering Kostyantyn Kovbasnyuk
On May 4, 2025, serviceman Kostyantyn Kovbasnyuk, who went by the call sign 'Komok,' died in a traffic accident while carrying out a combat mission. His passing has left a deep void for his family and fellow soldiers. The tragedy occurred in the town of Buryn, Sumy Oblast. He is survived by his wife, daughter, parents, brother, and sister.
Life and Military Service
Born on January 21, 1988, in Chernivtsi, Kostyantyn Kovbasnyuk earned a degree in geography from Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University. After graduation, he worked as an industrial climber and co-owned a shop specializing in the sale and repair of bicycles, snowboards, and skis.
When the full-scale war began, Kostyantyn and his brother Ivan joined the local territorial defense forces. He served in the 92nd Battalion of the 107th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade and took part in the liberation of Kharkiv Oblast in 2022. Later, while on a mission near Bakhmut in October 2023, he sustained a gunshot wound to the face. After recovering, he continued his service in the Sumy direction and was awarded the commander's commendation 'For Diligent Service' and the medal 'For Participation in the Battles of the Bakhmut Frontier.'
Those who knew him remember Kostyantyn as a cheerful, energetic, and sincere comrade. His fellow soldiers speak of him with warmth, recalling how he often calmed the group during tense moments:
“Kostya was the 'glue' of our unit. During such a long time together in one team, we had all sorts of disagreements. But when Kostya walked into the bunker, he would calm everyone down and lift the mood.” – Leonid Prokopchuk
His wife, Ulyana, also highlighted how important he was in their lives: 'Kostya was my strength and support. Even after three years on the front lines, he remained actively involved in mine and our daughter's lives.'
Kostyantyn Kovbasnyuk had a passion for tourism and speleology. Every day at 9 a.m., Ukrainians honor the memory of all those whose lives have been taken by the Russo-Ukrainian war. Kostyantyn was laid to rest at the Central Cemetery in Chernivtsi, where his memory will remain alive in the hearts of his loved ones and brothers-in-arms.
The death of Kostyantyn Kovbasnyuk underscores the tragedy of war and its impact on ordinary people who step up to defend their country. His dedication to service and active participation in combat set an example for many who also chose to defend Ukraine. Honoring the memory of fallen soldiers like Kostyantyn is a vital part of the collective remembrance of a society grappling with the consequences of war.