Actor Yakiv Tkachenko Killed in Ukraine Conflict
A Ukrainian actor named Yakiv Tkachenko has been killed while serving on the front line. His friends and colleagues reported his death on December 14.
Tkachenko was a well-known actor who appeared in several Ukrainian films, including “Chervonyi” (“Red”) and “Pryputni” (“The Strayed”). He also starred in the film “Mr. Jones”, which tells the story of a man-made famine that happened in Ukraine.
Film directors Oles Sanin and Alla Samoylenko paid tribute to Tkachenko on Facebook, calling him one of the most talented Ukrainian actors and a true friend. Actor Yevhen Chernykov also remembered Tkachenko as an extraordinary and bright person who joined the Territorial Defense Forces at the start of Russia’s invasion.
Tkachenko was serving in the 128th Territorial Defense Brigade when he died. He had been injured twice before but continued to fight. The details of his death have not been disclosed.
This is not the first time a Ukrainian cultural figure has been killed since the beginning of the conflict. According to a report from PEN International, at least 102 people who worked in arts and culture have lost their lives during this time period.