On August 18, 2026, the Ukrainian cultural and musical community was shaken by sad news: the famous musician, drummer of the rock and roll band RUKI VVERH, Anatoly Tkach, was killed on the front line. The tragic news was confirmed by his sister, Valentina, on her Facebook profile, calling her brother her best friend and noting that her world seemed to have "erased".
From stage to front line
Anatoly Tkach was one of the brightest representatives of the Ukrainian rock scene, known for his energetic drumming. After the start of the full-scale war, the musician, like many of his colleagues, decided to stand up for the defense of the country. According to published data, Tkach officially joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in July 2024. He served in the elite 79th Separate Air Assault Brigade, known for its role in key battles in the eastern direction.
Reaction of colleagues and family
The death of the musician caused deep sympathy and grief in the music community. The leader of the RUKI VVERH collective, Alexander Remes, expressed shock at the loss of his comrade on his Instagram. In his post, he admitted that he could not yet comprehend the reality of what was happening: "There is still no understanding that I will not see you anymore, and will not meet you anywhere, and will not get a reply to messages." Remes called Anatoly a principled and responsible comrade, adding that his death is a huge loss for everyone who knew him.
Funeral and farewell
The musician's family promised to announce the exact time and place of the farewell ceremony with Anatoly Tkach in the near future. The deceased's sister, Valentina, noted in her message that many would want to say goodbye to the artist personally, and the family would take this into account when organizing the funeral. For now, the details remain closed, however, it is expected that the farewell will become a significant event for fans of the band's work and colleagues.
Contradictory data
Although the main facts of the musician's death have been confirmed by the family and colleagues, some details regarding the exact time and circumstances of the death have not yet been disclosed. In particular, some sources mention that Tkach died during fighting in the area where the 79th Brigade was stationed, however, official confirmation from the brigade command or the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has not yet been received. This creates a certain uncertainty, which the musician's family and colleagues ask to respect at this time.
Memory of the musician
Anatoly Tkach will remain in the memory of fans not only as a talented musician, but also as a person who chose the path of defending his country in difficult times. His contribution to the development of Ukrainian rock and roll and his courage on the front line will serve as an example for future generations. Colleagues and friends have already begun collecting funds for a monument in honor of the musician, and are also planning a charity concert in his honor, the proceeds of which will be directed to support the families of the fallen defenders.
