Ruslan HRABOVSKYI

There are professions that require absolute intellect, precision, and unwavering responsibility, and there are individuals who turn this work into true art. Such was Ruslan Kostiantynovych Hrabovskyi—a highly skilled engineer, a talented specialist in the Department of Automation and Telecommunications of "Ukrzaliznytsia," and a brave Warrior, whose life became an example of impeccable service to his profession and his Motherland. His death is a profound loss for the entire railway industry and an indescribable pain for everyone who had the honor of knowing him personally.

Ruslan was born in the city of Korosten in the Zhytomyr region. From his youth, he had an analytical mind and a passion for the exact sciences, which determined his future. His journey in the railway industry began with outstanding education: in 1994, he graduated with honors from the Kyiv Electromechanical College of Railway Transport, and later, in 1999, he completed his studies at the Kyiv Institute of Railway Transport of KhDADT. Having obtained the qualification of an electrical engineer, he knew the railway automation systems down to the smallest screw, combining deep theoretical knowledge with immense practical experience.

Over 30 years of tireless work at JSC "Ukrzaliznytsia," Ruslan Kostiantynovych rose through all levels of professional growth—from a 5th-grade electrical installer in signaling and communications to the chief specialist in the operation of automation tools in the Department of Automation and Telecommunications. Thanks to his intellect, reliability, and daily efforts, the clear and safe movement of thousands of trains was ensured. Colleagues respected him for his high professionalism, wisdom, willingness to solve the most complex technical challenges, and extraordinary humanity. He belonged to the intellectual elite of the railway, upon which the safety of the country relies.

When on February 24, 2022, the enemy treacherously attacked Ukraine, Ruslan Kostiantynovych did not remain on the sidelines. By February 26, he voluntarily took up the defense of his Motherland, joining the Armed Forces of Ukraine during mobilization. He began his combat journey as a soldier in the automotive repair company of military unit A3814, where his skilled hands and engineering talent revived damaged vehicles, saving the lives of his comrades.

Later, in November 2024, when the situation at the front demanded maximum dedication, Ruslan Hrabovskyi was transferred to military unit A4583, where he became a rifleman-assistant to a grenade launcher in the 2nd rifle battalion. He bravely and selflessly carried out the most challenging combat missions on the front lines, defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine until his last breath.

The first day of the new year, 2025, became the last in the earthly life of the Hero. On January 1, during a fierce enemy 152-mm artillery shelling on the outskirts of the settlement of Sverdlykovo in the Kursk region, Ruslan Kostiantynovych's heart stopped. He died in battle, fulfilling his military duty and holding back the enemy at distant approaches.

The team of the Department of Automation and Telecommunications of JSC "Ukrzaliznytsia" expresses its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and comrades-in-arms of Ruslan. We bow our heads in honor of his bright memory and great feat.

May the light and eternal memory be with Hrabovskyi Ruslan Kostiantynovych. Your intellect, your courage, and your name are forever inscribed in the history of our freedom. Heroes do not die!