Ivan Tarn, 33
Hello, my name is Ivan. I was born in Ternopil. At the age of 10, my family moved to Ghent, Belgium, where I lived until the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. Having served in the French Foreign Legion, I had all the necessary skills to join the Ukrainian army immediately after the events of February 2022. My military service was interrupted near Bakhmut 9 months later due to a combat injury that caused me to lose my right leg.

I am not new to business as I managed a hotel in Belgium. Since my injury prevents me from continuing active military service, I am determined to help Ukraine and its people, not only by providing humanitarian aid, but also by contributing to the country's economic growth, which is essential for the return of Ukrainian refugees after the war.

I chose to participate in the Young Veterans Ukraine project to have access to a wide network of Ukrainian and international businessmen who can help me develop my hospitality business ideas. In my opinion, networking is the key to success as an entrepreneur.

Illustration

Interview

Ivan Tarn, a fighter of the GUR.
Belgian businessman, economist by education. He studied at a Belgian state university.

Born in 1989 in Ternopil (Ukraine), he moved with his family to Ghent, Belgium, when he was 10 years old.

Hello, my name is Ivan Tarn, and I voluntarily returned to Ukraine to defend my homeland.

I served in the French Legion in 2015-2017, so having this experience, I did not hesitate to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine. I believe that this is an appropriate step for a Ukrainian who knows how to use weapons.

In parallel to the military training camps that lasted two months before we started performing combat missions, I used my foreign connections to provide volunteer assistance to both the Armed Forces and the civilian population.

During the 9 months of active combat, I found many loyal, true friends with whom we stood side by side. I realized that my life also depends on them, and theirs on my actions. At the front, people are real, without pretense, and it strikes you right in the heart. I hope that people in peaceful regions will not forget the cost of this war and the fact that we are still independent.

I performed about 20 combat missions, and unfortunately in February 2023, I was wounded during a combat mission near Bakhmut, as a result of which my foot was amputated.

Despite being wounded, I will continue to serve in defense of the Ukrainian people, using all my knowledge to improve the country's defense capabilities.

During the war, I finally realized that Ukraine is my land and I see my future here. I realized who is a true friend and who is an enemy. I am grateful to the civilized world for supporting Ukraine and for their solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

Business idea

I chose to participate in the Young Veterans Ukraine project to have access to a wide network of Ukrainian and international businessmen who can help me develop my hospitality business ideas. In my opinion, networking is the key to entrepreneurial success.