Roman Ratushnyi was born on July 5, 1997, in Kyiv to journalist Taras Ratushnyi and writer Svitlana Povaliaieva. In 2012, he enrolled at the Financial and Law College of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, where he earned a degree in law. Ratushnyi was an active participant in the Revolution of Dignity and the leader of the “Save Protasiv Yar” initiative, which campaigned to protect a green zone in Kyiv.

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, he volunteered for Ukraine’s Defense Forces, where he established the “Protasiv Yar” unit and fought in battles in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions. Roman was killed in action near Izium on June 9, 2022, after being ambushed by enemy forces.

After his death, the Kyiv City Council named the Protasiv Yar landscape reserve in his honor. In 2023, a memorial festival was held, and a documentary titled “Roman Ratushnyi: A Free Person” was created to commemorate his life. Roman was posthumously awarded the Order of Courage, 3rd Class, in recognition of his bravery and significant contributions to the defence of Ukraine and his civic activism.

Roman Ratushnyi’s shield, from the Museum of War’s collection, is being exhibited for the first time. We extend our gratitude to the museum and Roman’s mother, Svitlana Povaliaieva, for their trust.