The hostile attack of 11 August 2026 claimed the lives of eight employees of Zaporizhstal. Among the victims of russia’s attack was Ihor Botsmanov, a maintenance fitter in the Blast Furnace Shop. He is remembered as a kind and responsible person, someone people could always rely on and with whom it was easy to find common ground.
Immediately after graduating from Zaporizhzhia Vocational Lyceum, Ihor joined Zaporizhstal, to which he dedicated 15 years of service. He initially trained and worked as a conveyor operator before later becoming a maintenance fitter. He was not only diligent in his work; he was also entrusted with leading a team, where he earned the respect of his colleagues and his views were valued and listened to.
Over this time, Ihor earned a strong reputation among his colleagues. Oleksandr LISOVYI, Mechanic of the Blast Furnace Shop, who worked alongside him for many years, remembers him as someone who could always be relied upon, knowing that he would never let anyone down:
“Ihor was a kind person and, as an employee, responsible and reliable. He worked for many years as part of the maintenance fitters’ team before being appointed team leader and taking charge of his own crew. Together, they worked as a cohesive and highly effective team, always supporting one another.”
Dmytro Churakov, an electric and gas welder in the Blast Furnace Shop, was well aware of Ihor’s passion for cars. Ihor took great pride in caring for then, maintaining, repairing and polishing them himself. He had several cars that he looked after: first his grandfather’s Zhiguli, then his father’s car, and later one of his own. He liked everything to be in good working order and well looked after.
Yet the place that occupied the greatest part of his life and heart was his family. His beloved wife, daughter and young son were his whole world. After work, Ihor always hurried home, and he spent his weekends with his family. Whether it was a walk in the park, a trip to the countryside, or a short weekend getaway, he was always up for an adventure and never missed an opportunity to spend time with his loved ones. He also encouraged and helped his parents. It seemed that he always had enough strength, optimism and energy for everything he took on.
“His son started Year 1 this year, and his daughter - Year 3. Ihor was a kind and attentive father. He would always hurry home from work: his family came first, and they were a very close-knit family. Ihor was a sincere and very positive person. I believe it was these qualities that endeared him to others,” says Ihor’s relative, Valerii BURKOV, who worked alongside him in the same team and suffered serious injuries during the horrific Russian attack on the plant on 11 August.
Colleagues and friends remember Ihor as a person who could easily find common ground with others. Many family members, friends and colleagues came to pay their final respects, honour his memory and bid a dignified farewell to Ihor Botsmanov.
The plant remains by the side of the fallen Zaporizhstal employee’s family, providing aid and support they need.
The memory of Ihor Botsmanov, a warm-hearted man, a trusted colleague, and a skilled and dedicated professional, will forever remain in the hearts of the Zaporizhstal family.
