Senior soldier Igor Ageev, nicknamed “Bula,” died on May 8, 2022, in Mariupol. On that day, Russian troops attacked the “Magazin 20” bunker at the Azovstal steel plant. The defender was 26 years old.
Igor Ageev was born and raised in Mariupol. As a teenager, he wanted to become a surgeon. However, after school, he enrolled in a maritime lyceum, where he mastered the profession of ship motorist. He was passionate about cars.
“During the first year of our life together, I heard so much from him about engines, models, and transmissions that I felt like I could pass an exam to become a novice auto mechanic. These conversations were not just ‘technical’ — they were filled with passion, emotion, and a genuine love for the subject,” said his wife Anastasia.
Since 2017, Igor served in the Azov regiment in the repair and maintenance company, platoon of the automotive technical battalion. Two years later, he transferred to the logistics platoon.
In 2019, he was seriously wounded. After treatment, “Bula” returned to service with even greater zeal, dedication, and desire to fight for Ukraine and his brothers in arms.
"Igor always remained positive, even in the most difficult moments. His smile, humor, and ability to support were a source of strength. As a husband, he was attentive and gentle. As a father, he was caring, loving, someone who could instill a sense of security and love at first glance,“ said Anastasia. ”There was a lot of light in our lives. Igor and I would go to the sea at the first opportunity: first just the two of us, and then with our daughter. Even if it was just one night — to another city, to the sea, to the forest.
For us, it was a special kind of romance: falling asleep in the car to the sound of waves or the rustling of trees. His spontaneity and love of life made every trip unforgettable. When our daughter was born, Igor was with us 24/7. He helped me with everything with such ease, confidence, and tenderness... From the first days of her life, he coped as if she were his tenth child. I guess you don't often meet such caring, attentive, and tender parents."
During his lifetime, Igor was awarded the medal “For Military Service to Ukraine” and the President's Award for participation in the ATO, and posthumously, the Order “For Courage” III degree.
As of May 2025, the defender has not been buried because his body has not yet been returned.
At home, his daughter, wife, and mother continue to wait for the Hero.
At 9:00 a.m., there is a nationwide minute of silence. The Donetsk Regional State Administration and the Heroes Memorial platform commemorate the fallen defenders from Donetsk Oblast.