Oleksandr S. Rudenko (Rudia)

Oleksandr Rudenko (call sign Rudya) was killed on August 10, 2022, in Eastern Ukraine. The defender suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the abdomen and chest. In July, he turned 29 years old. Oleksandr was born in the city of Fastiv in the Kyiv region. He graduated from a local school and then worked as a setter of printing equipment at LLC "Univest-Marketing." He was pursuing a higher legal education at the National University of Bioresources and Nature Management of Ukraine. He owned a minibus and communicated with other drivers in the "Bus Brotherhood." He was building a house for his family. Extremely hardworking, he did not shy away from any job to provide for the well-being of his loved ones. When the full-scale war began, Oleksandr and his wife Iryna were expecting their first child. In May, after the birth of their son, the man decided to go and defend Ukraine. Oleksandr, along with his father-in-law, joined the 208th separate battalion of territorial defense. He held the position of master, service number of the anti-aircraft artillery unit. Later, they were sent to hot spots in the eastern regions of Ukraine. However, Oleksandr did not return from there. "He was extremely kind, brave, and cheerful. Always ready to help," said his father-in-law and comrade Oleg Zakusilo. The defender was buried at the Glory Alley of the International Cemetery in Fastiv. At home, Oleksandr was awaited by his wife Iryna, their 3-month-old son Dmytro, his parents, and sister.