Petty Officer Second Class Ihor Savera was killed on August 29, 2024, while carrying out a combat mission near the village of Burlacha Balka, Odesa region. The defender was 30 years old.
Ihor was born in Donetsk. He studied at Lyceum No. 37, later entered the Donetsk Military Lyceum with enhanced military and physical training. In 2014, he moved to Odesa. Two years later, he signed a contract with the Ukrainian Navy and began serving on the military boat Chyhyryn. He was a squad commander.
At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Ihor and his comrades were the first at sea to encounter Russian aircraft. They monitored enemy air and naval activity in the Black Sea, defended the ports of Pivdennyi, Odesa, and Chornomorsk, and provided support to the mine countermeasure group in the Black Sea and the Danube River to ensure safe passage of civilian vessels along the grain corridor.
The serviceman was repeatedly awarded certificates and commendations for conscientious performance of his duties. He was decorated with the badges For Excellence in Military Service, 2nd Class, War Veteran, the Combatant’s Badge and Certificate, and the distinction Navy Coin of the Ukrainian Naval Base "South."
“As a serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Ihor showed extraordinary courage and devotion to his country, dedicating 8 years of his life to the Motherland. According to his comrades, Ihor was very brave, courageous, and a loyal friend. He had many plans for life that, unfortunately, he will never realize. He gave his life for all of us. At home, he left behind his little daughter, who will never again see or hug her father and whom he will never walk to her first day of school. His death became a huge loss for me as his wife, for his young daughter, his family, friends, and comrades. His sacrifice will not be forgotten, his memory will live forever,” — wrote his wife Yuliia.
“Ihor was very brave, courageous, and a loyal friend. He had many plans for life that, sadly, he will never realize. He gave his life for all of us. He was the best brother, husband, and father. Very sensitive, kind, responsible, and friendly,” — said his brother Oleksandr.
The defender was laid to rest in the village of Burdivka, Odesa region.
Ihor is survived by his wife, his daughter — who was 5 years old at the time of her father’s death — and his brother.
At 9:00 a.m. — a nationwide moment of silence. Donetsk Regional Military Administration and the Heroes Memorial platform honor the fallen defenders from Donetsk region.