Valentyn Bilich, defender of Irpin, has died — burial on March 25
A native of Irpin who manned the "Giraffe" checkpoint in 2022 has died today. We explain why his story matters to the community and how you can support his family.
By Tetiana Suchkova-Ladik
March 25, 2026 · 2 min read
Farewell to Valentyn Bilich — one of the symbols of Irpin’s defense
Defender of Irpin Valentyn Vadymovych Bilich has passed away. The sad news was announced by acting Irpin mayor Anzhela Makeieva. This is another loss for the community, which remembers 2022 as the time of the heroic defense of the city.
Valentyn Vadymovych was born on March 3, 1986, in Irpin. He was a native of Irpin who valued nature and hunting above all, but in 2022 chose weapons and the position of defending his hometown.
Under the call sign “Bilich,” Valentyn held one of the toughest positions — the “Giraffe” checkpoint. His courage and resilience became part of the collective history of Irpin’s defense and the protection of the approaches to Kyiv.
"Valentyn was always a man of his word — just, unbreakable, and faithful to his principles. A native of Irpin who loved nature and hunting above all. Sadly, today the Defender’s heart has stopped… This is a great loss for the family and for our entire city. I express my sincere condolences to Valentyn’s family and loved ones. We will forever remember each person who covered Irpin from the invaders",
— Anzhela Makeieva, acting mayor of Irpin
Where and when to say goodbye
The farewell will take place on March 25:
10:45 — living corridor near the turn to the cemetery (Universytetska St.);
11:00 — burial service at the city cemetery.
Context and significance
Valentyn’s story is about the part of the defense that often remains off-camera in the news: local reserves, people who know every street and are ready to stand in its defense. For Irpin, the loss of one such defender is not only a personal tragedy for the family, but also a reminder of the long-term consequences of the war for communities.
Support for the family and honoring the memory is a way to preserve the instruments of collective memory and to show that civil society does not forget its defenders. Eternal memory and glory to the Hero.
