Ruslan POLYANIN

Ruslan was born on May 31, 1980, in Kotovsk, Odesa region. He lived in Podilsk, Odesa region, where he attended school No. 6. After finishing school, he enrolled in vocational school No. 29 in Odesa. He worked as an electric gas welder and a repair mechanic in the mechanical equipment repair section at the Podilsk operational railway depot. He worked on the railway for about 21 years.

Since 2017, he served in the Armed Forces of Ukraine under contract. On November 25, 2024, due to family circumstances, he was discharged. In January 2025, he re-enlisted and served in the 59th Brigade, 11th Separate Motorized Infantry Battalion "Kyivska Rus." He directly participated in anti-terrorist operations in the hottest areas of the front: Donetsk region (cities – Mariupol, Shchastia, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, Pokrovsk), as well as in Luhansk and Kherson regions. In 2025, he served in the Pokrovsk direction in the 59th Brigade, 11th Separate Motorized Infantry Battalion, with the rank of sergeant major.

Ruslan was awarded for his courage and heroism displayed during the defense of Ukraine's state sovereignty, integrity, and independence, receiving several honors:

Distinction "Golden Cross" from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;

Medal "FOR UNYIELDING HEROES OF THE RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN WAR";

Cross "HONOR and GLORY";

Medal "FOR SPIRITUAL RESILIENCE";

Badge "Sergeant Corps" of the 11th Separate Motorized Infantry Battalion "Kyivska Rus";

Badge "11th Battalion Kyivska Rus".

While defending his homeland from the occupiers, on August 6, 2025, near the settlement of Mariivka in the Dnipropetrovsk region, Ruslan sustained serious injuries due to the enemy's use of an FPV drone and, having never regained consciousness, died in a hospital in Dnipro on August 10, 2025.

Ruslan is survived by his mother, father, daughter, and two sons.

The team at the Podilsk Operational Railway Depot deeply mourns this irreparable loss and expresses sincere condolences to Ruslan's parents, children, and family.