In childhood, Rostislav Kucheriavenko dreamed of operating vehicles, but fate had other plans — he became a fearless defender of Ukraine and served seven years in the military. After two contracts, he realized he couldn't imagine his life without the army and enrolled in the Hetman Petro Sahaidachny National Army Academy. The serviceman shared his story with Volnovakha.City journalists.
Childhood of the Ukrainian Defender
Rostislav Kucheriavenko was born in Volnovakha. This is where he spent his childhood and youth. From an early age, the boy dreamed of becoming a driver: he would sit on adults' knees and imagine he was driving a car. He studied at Volnovakha Support Lyceum (now Support Educational Institution of I-III degrees), and then continued his education at Volnovakha Vocational School №142.
Rostislav Kucheriavenko at school with female classmates Фото: Rostislav Kucheriavenko
"Our Rostik" — that's how his former teachers affectionately call him. Larisa Sashchenko, a teacher at Volnovakha Support Educational Institution of I-III degrees, remembers her student:
"Rostislav was a cheerful, sociable boy. Natural good looks and an open character attracted the girls' attention. It was easy to communicate with him, but he always had his own point of view on everything. From childhood, he was very independent, not afraid to take responsibility, and took care of his younger sister. I am very proud of my student. Dear Rostik, may the Lord's Angel always protect you and your family!"
Larisa SashchenkoФото: Larisa Sashchenko
A turning point in the young man's life came in 2014 when Ukrainian soldiers appeared on the streets of Volnovakha. Rostislav observed them carefully; he liked their uniforms, bearing, and weapons. It was then that the idea of military service took root in the young man's mind.
The Military Path — The Path of Courage
At 20, Rostislav made a fateful decision — to become a soldier. Under his first contract, the young man trained as an artilleryman at the 184th Training Center.
From 2017 to 2020, Rostislav served in the 92nd Separate Assault Brigade. During this time, he grew professionally — from senior gunner of the anti-tank platoon to chief sergeant. It was here that he developed as a warrior and as an adult.
Rostislav Kucheriavenko with a fellow soldier Фото: Rostislav Kucheriavenko
"The 92nd Separate Assault Brigade taught me to be resilient, to have fighting spirit, to be faithful to my cause. Thanks to the 92nd, I started looking at life as an adult," Rostislav shares his memories.
The defender's combat path is full of trials. In mid-March 2022, a dangerous incident occurred near the Olenivka Bakery Products Plant. Seven Russian federation army soldiers with white armbands came to the position where Rostislav's unit was stationed. At first, the Ukrainian soldiers thought reinforcements had arrived. When they recognized the enemies, they offered them a chance to surrender. The Russians refused and tried to escape, but according to the Volnovakha defender, these occupiers didn't manage to flee.
"Our commander threw a grenade at them, then we finished them off," the serviceman recalls.
The man notes that there were moments in his life when things were very difficult.
"We were retreating near Olenivka, enemy artillery was hitting us from all sides. Every minute I was saying goodbye to life," says the defender.
Daily Life of a Ukrainian Defender
Under his second contract, our fellow countryman served in the 54th Separate Mechanized Brigade. The battalion in which the Volnovakha defender served participated in the assault on Bilohorivka near Soledar. The soldiers were assisted by volunteers, including the Serhiy Prytula Foundation and "Come Back Alive." They provided autonomous heaters and Starlink terminals. Sometimes the military organized their own fundraising to purchase generators and other necessary equipment. They spent winters in village cellars, insulating walls with blankets when available. In such difficult conditions, Rostislav did not lose his fighting spirit.
During the full-scale war, on October 7, 2023, the man married his beloved girlfriend — Anastasia. He says it was the happiest event for him in recent years.
Rostislav and Anastasia Rostislav and AnastasiaФото: Rostislav Kucheriavenko
After serving for seven years, Rostislav made an important decision — to become a career military officer. He enrolled at the Hetman Petro Sahaidachny National Army Academy, in the Institute of Missile Forces and Artillery.
During his years of service, Rostislav Kucheriavenko has been repeatedly awarded certificates and commendations for conscientious performance of military duty and demonstrated courage, including the honorary distinction "Cross of the 54th Separate Mechanized Brigade" named after Hetman Ivan Mazepa (May 2024) and the Golden Cross from the Commander-in-Chief.
"We, the residents of Volnovakha, are proud of our Hero and wish him successful studies and a return home with victory," says Volnovakha.City journalist Iryna Dobrovolenko.
Цей матеріал видано за підтримки Асоціації “Незалежні регіональні видавці України” та Amediastiftelsen в рамках реалізації проєкту Хаб підтримки регіональних медіа. Погляди авторів не обов'язково збігаються з офіційною позицією партнерів”
