Ruslan V. Kostenko (Uchastkovyi)

43-year-old defender Ruslan Kostenko (call sign Uchashtkovy) died in a Kyiv hospital on August 27, 2022. Ten days earlier, he sustained serious injuries during an enemy tank shelling in the area of the village of Vremivka in Donetsk region. Ruslan was born in the village of Oleksandrivka in Odesa region. He graduated from the Petrovsky Agricultural Technical School, obtaining a qualification as a veterinary paramedic. In 2007, he graduated from the Kherson Law Institute of the Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs, receiving a full higher education in the specialty of "Law", and earned the qualification of a lawyer. He worked as a police officer, maintaining law and order and public peace. In his free time, he loved to read. In September 2020, he signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served in the 9th Separate Motorized Infantry Battalion "Vinnytsia Scythians" of the 59th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade named after Yakov Handziuk. He was the platoon sergeant. He carried out combat missions in the area of the Joint Forces Operation. With the onset of the full-scale war, Ruslan, together with his unit, continued to defend Ukraine from enemies. From August 5, 2022, he performed the duties of commander of a mechanized platoon in the mechanized company. On August 16, at the initiative of the company commander, the collection of documents for Ruslan Kostenko's appointment to a higher officer position began. However, the next day he was injured and did not return to service. "My father always aspired to defend the independence of our country. Dad constantly cared about our affairs, we talked about everything and tried to enjoy every moment spent together. After he went to war, he began to appreciate every minute spent with loved ones, looking at everything that was happening in a different way. My father never mentioned what he had to endure in that hell. Dad... I love you incredibly much and never thought your story would end like this. I'm sorry for not telling you as often that I love you... If I had known this would happen, that we would see each other for the last time, I would have told you that you are the best father and the best person in the world. I have spent my whole life with you and still can't believe that you are no longer here. You are my Hero. My warrior. I will always love you. Please take care of yourself there. You are the strongest, the kindest. It is an honor for me to be your daughter then and now. You will forever be my dearest person..." — wrote Kristina Kostenko. The hero was buried in the city of Kodima, Odesa region, where he lived with his family. Posthumously, senior sergeant Ruslan Kostenko was awarded the Order of Courage of the III degree.