Ruslan F. Ostapiv (Ostap)

Soldier Ruslan Ostapiv (call sign Ostap) was killed on August 25, 2023 near the village of Robotyne in the Zaporizhzhia region. While carrying out a combat mission, he sustained fatal injuries during enemy mortar shelling. The defender was 23 years old. Ruslan was from the Ternopil region. He lived in the village of Panasivka. He had a secondary education. He was very hardworking and could do many things: build, lay bricks, and tile. He also possessed various types of weapons. He dreamed of buying a house, doing a nice renovation there, and starting a family. He had already acquired housing, but did not have the chance to live there. During the full-scale war, the man joined the ranks of the defenders. Ruslan served in the 14th Brigade of the Special Purpose of the National Guard of Ukraine "Chervona Kalyna". He was a grenadier. "Ruslan was a ray of sunshine for me. I have never met a kinder person. He was very cheerful and sincere, always supported me in everything and helpe d. Ruslan was a real man and a real Hero. Unfortunately, we did not have time to start the family we had dreamed of..." said the deceased's beloved Alina Kizima. The National Guard soldier was buried in his native village of Panasivka. At home, Ruslan was awaited by his parents, younger brothers and sisters, girlfriend, relatives and friends.