Ruslan H. Kuruliak (Rusik)

33-year-old intelligence officer Ruslan Kurulyak was killed on January 24, 2023 in the Kherson region. The soldier successfully carried out a combat mission behind enemy lines, but was killed by an enemy sniper shot during the withdrawal of the group. Ruslan was born in Zhytomyr. He studied at the local school No. 19. He had an active civic position since his teenage years. He defended the national interests of Ukraine since the age of 18. He participated in social, public and revolutionary events, including the Revolution of Dignity in 2014. He was an active supporter of FC "Dynamo" and the local football team "Polissya". He was a member of the ultras of both clubs. Since 2014, he volunteered in the ranks of the Azov regiment to defend Ukraine. Later, he became an instructor, training servicemen and recruits. From the first days of the full-scale war, Ruslan again stood up to defend Ukraine. This time, given his extensive combat experience, he joined the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. He served in the Belarusian Volunteer Corps, carrying out complex and important combat missions. "Ruslan fought for his values, the independence of Ukraine as a volunteer. He participated in the defense of Kyiv, the liberation of Irpin, Bucha, Kherson and many other cities of our country. In recent months, he was part of a sabotage group that worked exclusively behind enemy lines and constantly weakened the positions of the occupiers. Ruslan is a hero of Ukraine for all the people who knew him. Many comrades owe him their lives. For all of us, he was an example of true courage, bravery and dignity," said the late's former wife Nadia. The warrior was buried at the military cemetery in his native Zhytomyr. Ruslan left behind a daughter.