The Path from Pilot to Squadron Commander. Let’s Remember Lieutenant Colonel Andriy Tkachенко

According to glavcom.ua: Every day at 9 a.m., Ukrainians honor the memory of all those whose lives were taken by the Russo-Ukrainian war. This time, we remember pilot Andriy Tkachенко.

In the sky over Donetsk during a combat mission, pilot-fighter Lieutenant Colonel Andriy Tkachенко from Ivano-Frankivsk lost his life. This was reported by "Hlavkom" citing the Sambir Plast and representative of Plast Yuriy Yuzich.

Unquenchable Memories

Andriy was born into the family of Yuriy and Lesya Tkachенко in Sambir on December 10, 1990. He studied at Sambir Primary School No. 2 and later at Sambir Gymnasium, which he graduated from in June 2008. He was interested in sports, attended a drama club, and a computer school.

Andriy joined Plast on October 22, 2002. He distinguished himself in OUBT "Wolf School", where he was the best in the camp. He actively spent his youth doing Plast activities and traveling.

At the flying camp "Chota of the Winged", Andriy tried paragliding for the first time and fell in love with aviation.

The Path of a Hero and Tragic Death

In 2008, he entered the National Air Force University of Kharkiv named after Ivan Kozhedub, which he successfully graduated in 2012. During his studies, he received commendations from the head of the university. His first solo flights were performed on the L-39 aircraft in October 2009. He also had experience with parachute jumps.

In 2014, he began his service in Ivano-Frankivsk, then in Kharkiv, and returned to Ivano-Frankivsk again. During the war, he carried out combat missions during the ATO and JFO. He tragically died in the sky over Donetsk on March 8, 2024. The hero was buried at the Alley of Heroes in the village of Chukalivka in the Ivano-Frankivsk community.

Major Tkachенко is survived by his parents and close ones. He posthumously received the title of Lieutenant Colonel of the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. "Hlavkom" joins in a moment of silence, honoring the heroes who gave their lives for Ukraine.

Ukrainians pay tribute to the memory of those fallen in the Russo-Ukrainian war every day. Today we remembered the life and heroism of pilot Andriy Tkachенко, who gave his life for the freedom and independence of Ukraine. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who remember his courage and selflessness.