Ruslan KULAKOV

Ruslan was born in the town of Synelnykove in Dnipropetrovsk region. After obtaining a partial higher education at the Pavlohrad Technical School of the National Mining University, he decided to dedicate his life to the steel railways of his homeland.

For over 9 years, Ruslan devoted himself to the railway. His career began in December 2016 when he joined the Synelnykove track maintenance section of the regional branch "Dniprovsk Railway" as a second-class trackman. Colleagues remember him as an exceptionally diligent and responsible worker who was never afraid of hard work. Aspiring for professional growth, Ruslan also graduated from the Marhanets Technical School, where he mastered the profession of a crane operator. In addition to maintaining the tracks, he often provided important cargo handling work at the warehouse. Ruslan was a true team player, friendly and sincere, who could find common ground with everyone, which made him immensely valued in the team.

With the onset of the full-scale invasion, Ruslan did not remain on the sidelines—he volunteered for the front lines. On March 9, 2022, he joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In the training center, due to his love for sweets, he received the affectionate call sign "Zghushonka," which later changed to the combat name "Floki" at the front. Even in the trenches, Ruslan remembered his railway family: he called his colleagues, inquired about the unit's affairs, and maintained contact with his friends.

On June 8, 2024, during fierce battles near the village of Kalynivka in the Bakhmut district of Donetsk region, Ruslan went missing. For two long years, colleagues and family refused to believe the worst, nurturing hope for a miracle. However, in May 2026, an official death certificate shattered these hopes forever, confirming that the warrior fell in that battle, defending Ukraine's territorial integrity.

In civilian life, Ruslan was the life of the party—cheerful, optimistic, and handy. He had "golden hands," loved tinkering with machinery, and dreamed of owning his own car. Above all, he adored his family, for whose peace he went to fight, and always tried to delight his dearest—his son and daughter—with gifts.

Ruslan is survived by his parents, his wife Antonina, and two children. No words can ease this profound pain, but the memory of his great heart and heroism will live on forever.

The team of the Synelnykove track maintenance section of the regional branch "Ukrainian Railways" expresses its deepest condolences to the family of the fallen railway soldier. We bow our heads in silent mourning. The bright memory of our colleague and Hero will forever remain in our hearts.

Honor to our Hero!