Igor Hladky, a celebrated arm wrestling champion and military officer, was killed in combat on May 5, 2026, near the village of Sidorove in eastern Ukraine. At just 28 years old, Hladky had been defending Ukraine since the onset of the full-scale invasion.
Hailing from Lviv Oblast, Hladky transitioned to professional sports in 2021. Despite his brief career, he quickly earned the title of Master of Sports and became a multiple medalist in national championships, representing Ukraine on the international stage.
Colleagues remember him as a person of exceptional diligence and strong character.
As the war escalated, Hladky joined the 45th Separate Artillery Brigade, rising through the ranks from a shooter and sniper to an artillery platoon commander. He participated in fierce battles in key regions, including Zaporizhzhia, Bakhmut, and Lyman, and fought for strategic locations such as Klishchiyivka, Siversk, and Chasiv Yar.
For his bravery, Hladky was awarded the Order of Courage, Third Class, the Medal for Military Service to Ukraine, and the Ministry of Defense’s Cross of Rocket Forces and Artillery.
Even during the war, Hladky maintained his passion for sports, training whenever possible and returning to competitions where he continued to secure top positions. The Sports Committee noted, “He faced challenges with equal confidence on both the sports arenas and the front lines.”
Hladky’s death adds to the growing list of notable figures lost due to the ongoing conflict. Recently, Romain Simashov, the deputy head of the Kramatorsk District State Administration, died from injuries sustained during a Russian strike on Kramatorsk. Simashov, 46, succumbed to his wounds after several days in the hospital.
Additionally, Victoria Bobrova, a well-known producer and officer of the 10th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade “Edelweiss,” was killed while performing her duties. Bobrova, known by her call sign “Kvitka,” had a successful career as a casting director and documentary producer before joining the armed forces at the start of the invasion.
Moreover, popular television host and actor Maxim Nelipa, who volunteered for military service, was killed in action on May 12. His funeral took place on May 23 in Kyiv, where images from his burial were shared.
According to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the number of Ukrainian athletes and cultural figures who have died in the war continues to rise, marking an irreplaceable loss for the nation’s talent pool.
Igor Hladky, a prominent Ukrainian arm wrestling champion and military officer, was killed in combat at the age of 28. His death highlights the ongoing toll of the war on notable figures in Ukraine, including athletes and cultural contributors.