Ruslan O. Sopiha

Senior soldier Ruslan Sopiga was killed on June 9, 2023 near the village of Blahodatne in the Donetsk region. During the performance of a combat mission, he suffered a fatal mine-explosive injury. The defender was 50 years old. Ruslan was born in the village of Zaliztsi, Ternopil region. He received secondary education at the Zalizets secondary school of I-III degrees. In civilian life, he was engaged in entrepreneurial activity. During the full-scale Russian invasion, the man took up arms and went to defend his country. Ruslan served in the 68th separate Yager brigade named after Oleksa Dovbush. As part of his unit, he defended the Donetsk region. "Ruslan Sopiga was a true hero and patriot. His dedication and self-sacrifice in serving Ukraine were unshakable. He participated in dangerous combat operations, stood up for our independence and freedom. His courage and bravery inspired others and became an example for our youth. Ruslan was not only a serviceman, he was also a kind and generous person. He was always ready to help those in need. His warm smile, kindness and care were never at the limit. He was an example of true humanism and a role model for all of us. The loss of Ruslan Sopiga touched not only his family, but our entire community," the Ternopil Eparchy of the UOC said. The military was buried in his native village. At home, his mother was waiting for Ruslan.