In memory of sniper Ihor Voievodin, known by the call sign "Stich."
Igor was born in 2003. From a young age, he dedicated much of his time to learning foreign languages, becoming fluent in English and having a good command of German. Thus, he linked his future profession with international relations.
3 “We expected Igor to choose international law. However, he also considered the Odesa Maritime Academy as a way to utilize his language skills and explore new horizons,” recalls the boy's father, Oleg Voievodin.
But the young man opted for Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, where he studied the Japanese language and dreamed of becoming a translator. “It’s interesting, challenging, and promising,” Igor explained his choice to his parents.
4 Simultaneously, he studied at the Military Institute of KNU, which prepared reserve officers for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The skills he acquired there were put to use as soon as the full-scale war began – in 2022, the young man took up arms to defend his homeland as part of a volunteer unit.
He aimed to serve in the legendary Azov regiment to participate in the de-blockade of Mariupol. He did not make it in time. The opportunity to join Azov came only in the fall: he was enlisted as a grenade launcher. Within the unit, he carried out combat missions in the Donetsk direction.
5 While serving, Igor continued his studies at the university, not taking an academic leave because he loved learning. His instructor, Tatyana Dybska, described him as an exemplary student.
In the university environment, the young man met his future wife, Darina.
“He enjoyed learning and discovering new things to later share with others. Igor loved helping me understand something new so that we could do it together,” the girl recalls.
His knack for acquiring new knowledge, persistence, and determination also benefited Igor during his sniper training, which he underwent while serving in Azov. He unsurprisingly became one of the best graduates of the course.
6 In the military, Igor chose the call sign “Stich” – a character from a cartoon saga, a small alien with extraordinary abilities. He had developed night and infrared vision, excellent hearing, was fireproof, and could crawl on ceilings... A small hero who is hard to eliminate. Igor carried a figurine of his favorite character with him everywhere. It was the only thing that remained unscathed after the shelling on August 19, 2023, during which the soldier was killed. This happened near Kreminna in the Luhansk region... Now he is forever 20.
7 Comrades remember “Stich” as a reliable, brave, and skilled fighter who constantly sought self-improvement. There was never fear in his eyes. Despite his young age, the warrior exuded confidence and dependability. It is likely that such inner strength was granted to him by serving in the legendary unit and the honorable right to wear its insignia.
Igor approached the war with a measured, realistic view, believing that there is no glory without battle and that dying with a weapon in hand on the battlefield is an honor for a warrior. “Igor's last words before going on a combat mission were, ‘I love you all. We are not saying goodbye...’,” his father recounts.
In the summer of 2023, the young man successfully completed his exams and advanced to the 4th year. He needed just one more year to earn his coveted bachelor's degree.
8 At the Uzhhorod Lyceum named after T.G. Shevchenko, where Igor studied, a memorial plaque was unveiled last year. In March 2024, a park sculpture in honor of the fallen hero was erected in the capital’s Oleksandr Fomin Botanical Garden, depicting the indomitable little hero Stich. The iron hand of the figurine is forever frozen in the signature gesture of Azov fighters – a firmly pressed right hand to the heart. A symbol of a true warrior and patriot.
By a decree of the President of Ukraine dated December 30, 2023, Igor Voievodin was posthumously awarded the Order of Courage of the III degree.
Photos from open sources