At the cost of his own life, he saved three brothers-in-arms: on the front line died the grandson of the ex-head of FFU Ruslan Fominykh

At the cost of his own life, he saved three brothers-in-arms: on the front line died the grandson of the ex-head of FFU Ruslan Fominykh

On the front lines, the grandson of the former head of the Ukrainian Football Federation, Ruslan Fominykh, with the call sign "Khoma," was killed. The defender’s life was cut short on the Donetsk axis: he shielded three brothers-in-arms with his body during a direct hit from a Russian drone.

This was reported by the press service of the Youth and Sports Department of the Kyiv Regional Military Administration. The Hero was seen off on his final journey on April 18.

"Warrior of the 1st Battalion of the 114th Brigade, REB unit, was killed on April 10, 2026, while performing a combat mission on the Donetsk axis. Ruslan saved three brothers-in-arms at the cost of his own life by shielding them from a direct hit by an enemy drone," the message states.

Ruslan Fominykh was born on May 21, 1974, in Kyiv. He came from a family associated with football: his grandfather, Mykola Fominykh, was a well-known coach and referee and headed the Ukrainian Football Federation from 1975 to 1991.

In childhood, Ruslan studied at the football school of Kyiv’s "Dynamo." Later, he played for the club’s junior team, but did not establish himself at the professional level, continuing to play at the amateur level.

Fominykh graduated from the Institute of Physical Education and Sports. After completing the Dynamo football school in 1984, he played for the team’s junior squad, where he repeatedly became a prize-winner in city, national, and international tournaments.

In 2017, he became the first director of the Olympic Training Center for winter sports. He also worked at the "IVA-Masters" club in the Kyiv region, where he trained athletes in snowboarding and other winter disciplines.

With the start of the full-scale war, Ruslan Fominykh unhesitatingly stood up to defend Ukraine and gave his life for it.

The defender was married and raised a son. His wife, Yulia Fominykh, worked as a coach for the Ukrainian national freestyle team (ski acrobatics) until 2015, and now she trains children at the Kyiv Regional Comprehensive Children’s and Youth Sports School.

In 2002, a son Ruslan was born in the family. The family lived in the village of Hnidyne in the Boryspil district of the Kyiv region.

"He valued friendship and family the most; the words ’honor, dignity, and brotherhood’ always held deep meaning for him. In the face of imminent death, mere seconds before his death, he managed to shield his brothers-in-arms with his body. He died, but saved others’ lives. We are all proud of you, but no ’For Courage’ order can replace your Light, Warmth, Love, and Smile. For me, you will forever remain alive, young, and beloved. Heroes do not die - they simply go to heaven! We will definitely meet in another life, my love, definitely, and it will be all drive and rock-n-roll, as always!" noted Yuliya Fominykh.

Farewell to the serviceman took place on April 18.

For those wishing to support the family, the details are: 5168 7521 5804 3128.

"The Youth and Sports Department expresses its condolences to Ruslan’s family and loved ones. Eternal memory and glory to the Hero!" the message states.