"BAIKER"

He was born on 22 September 2000 and was killed on 31 August 2024. He was born in the city of Izium, Kharkivska Oblast. He studied at Gymnasium No. 1 through the 8th grade, then transferred to Secondary School No. 4 and completed the 9th grade. In 2015, he enrolled in and studied at the Optico-Mechanical College in the city of Izium (Kyiv branch). In 2019, after graduating from college, he enrolled in and studied at the Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics. In 2020, in parallel with his studies, he attended the military department (tank branch). In the summer of 2022, he received his bachelor’s degree. Already during the war, he obtained the specialties of optical technician and engineer. In his second year, he began working as a waiter at a restaurant. After working there for a little less than a year, he found another job at a company and began paying for his education himself. In parallel, he studied in online courses and always found time for sports. For Ruslan, sport was like breathing. At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, my son and I were in our city of Izium. Ruslan showed bravery during shelling—he helped elderly women get down to the basement. From a nearby shop that caught fire due to shelling, he helped carry out sweets and food that remained inside. Even then, putting himself at risk, Ruslan held on with courage. He understood that he was needed here. On 11 June 2023, he voluntarily joined the ranks of the National Guard of Ukraine. Ruslan received an ID and a medal recognizing him as a combatant (Participant in Combat Actions). Two weeks before his death, he was awarded the medal “For the Defense of Ukraine.” Posthumously, he was awarded the Order “For Courage,” 3rd Class. His military unit submitted a request for the title of Hero of Ukraine. We are waiting… He was cremated at the Kharkiv crematorium. His ashes were buried in Kyiv, at Lukianivske Cemetery in Shevchenkivskyi District.