🕯 Nationwide minute of silence .

32-year-old fighter of the International Legion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Ian Frank Tortorici from the USA died on June 27, 2023 during a Russian missile attack on the center of Kramatorsk. The epicenter of the explosion was a catering establishment, residential buildings and other premises. This shelling claimed the lives of 13 people.

Ian Frank Tortorici is from Lake Forest, California. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He fought for 15 months as part of the "50/50" military group in Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and other areas.

"Ian has lived a busy life. He traveled to Europe several times with only a rucksack and a sleeping bag. His family found out about his whereabouts by chance through photos from different countries. He lived a simple, adventurous lifestyle, worked full-time and paid for his own education at college, had very little debt, Ian dreamed of living on a quiet farm anywhere in the world.

He didn't care about luxuries or money. Ian lived impressions and adventures. He was wounded only once, he was contused, but after recovery he continued to fight. He was a brave, authoritative warrior. On the day of the tragedy, he was off duty. Went to a pizzeria in Kramatorsk to eat. Died on the spot. He will always be remembered and respected as a hero," Ed Flores, a friend of the deceased, said.

The deceased soldier is survived by his girlfriend, relatives in the USA and friends in Ukraine.