The hostile attack of 11 August 2026 claimed the lives of eight civilian employees of Zaporizhstal. Colleagues remember Yevhen Tolkunov, a foreman of the bin area in the Blast Furnace Shop who lost his life in the attack, as a dedicated and responsible professional who was trusted with important work, entrusted with leading people, and relied upon to handle the most demanding tasks.
Yevhen began his career at Zaporizhstal in April 2002. He began his career as a labourer in the Railway Transport Shop before moving into a new role as a bin operator in the Blast Furnace Shop. In 2017, Yevhen was appointed a foreman of the bin area in the Blast Furnace Shop.
Serhii IVZHENKO, Deputy Head of the Blast Furnace Shop for Production Preparation, recalls his first impression of Yevhen and his attitude to work. He saw in the young employee the qualities that would later help him rise to the position of a foreman.
“We have known each other since the days when he worked as a labourer for a contracting organisation. I immediately saw potential in him. He was exceptionally attentive, reliable and responsible. We always need people like that, so I offered him a job as a bin operator in the Blast Furnace Shop. He accepted the offer and came to work with us. He coped well, worked hard, and in time I put him forward for the position of foreman.”
Yevhen truly stood out for his exceptional attitude towards his work. He was always attentive to detail, recording and documenting everything. His colleagues knew that if Yevhen took on a task, he could be relied upon, and they could be confident that he would complete it on time and to a high standard.
Yevhen often stood in for supervisors, so his colleagues came to see him not only as an experienced employee but also as a leader they trusted. This year, he was preparing for the next step in his career, having been considered for promotion to the position of supervisor. He devoted considerable time to learning, absorbing the experience of others, and gradually preparing himself for a new level of responsibility.
Yevhen’s wife, Yevheniia, recalls that he had been particularly focused on this preparation in recent months. He wanted to do well in his new role, not let anyone down, and make sure everything was done properly. He was deeply devoted to his work and approached it with a strong sense of responsibility, dedicating more than two decades of his life to it.
Oleksandr Khukhrovskyi, a Shift Supervisor in the Blast Furnace Shop, had known Yevhen for around 20 years. It was Oleksandr KHUKHROVSKYI who helped him prepare for the role of supervisor.
“Yevhen and I have known each other for a long time. You could say we saw each other every three days. It is very hard to believe that such a tragic fate could befall such a bright and wonderful person. He was a very positive person. When he was walking towards you, he would be smiling, and somehow that alone made you feel lighter. I was helping to train him for a supervisor’s role. So much was expected of him."
In his role, Yevhen worked closely with a wide range of colleagues across different functions. For example, Pavlo Kosinskyi, a controller in ferrous metals production, knew him well as a skilled professional and a respected leader. He recalls that Yevhen was respected by his colleagues for his fairness, his ability to find common ground with people, and his humanity.
Outside Zaporizhstal, Yevhen was just as attentive and caring, above all towards his family. Together with his wife, Yevheniia, Yevhen was raising their daughter, Sofiia, who practises rhythmic gymnastics and holds the title of Master of Sport. Yevhen wholeheartedly supported her passion. He took a keen interest in her training and, even after long shifts, always found the time and energy to cheer his daughter on at competitions.
“He was always very demanding of himself. In his spare time, he kept active through sport and took good care of his health. Overall, he was very responsible in everything he did, both at work and at home. To us, he was simply a loving husband and father. It was important to him that everything was well at home and that his daughter was able to pursue what she loved. He was always proud of her, supported her in everything she did, and was her most devoted supporter,” recalls Yevheniia TOLKUNOVA, Yevhen’s wife.
He enjoyed spending time outdoors with his family. He was especially fond of walks in Dubovyi Hai, where he could truly relax in the company of those closest to him. At weekends, they would often go for walks, visit cafés, or go to the cinema. It was important to him simply to be with his loved ones.
Loved ones also remember his little habits, which have now become especially cherished memories. At work, Yevhen was almost always seen wearing a bandana and would even joke that people might not recognise him without it.
For his family, friends, and colleagues, his loss is deeply felt. Yevhen Tolkunov will be remembered as a warm and positive person whose very smile had a way of making things feel easier for those around him.
Zaporizhstal remains by the side of Yevhen Tolkunov’s family, providing aid and support they need.
The memory of Yevhen Tolkunov will forever live on among his colleagues, friends, and loved ones, who will remember him as a dependable employee, a fair-minded manager, and a thoroughly decent man.
