In the framework of the DIU's project “Outstanding Intelligence Officers,” a booklet about the legendary DIU warrior and Hero of Ukraine Ruslan Popov, who died in the battle for Ukraine's freedom in May 2022, was presented in Kyiv on December 6, 2024.

The project's author, Olha Mosiondz, presented the publication with the participation of the Hero's parents, Nadiya and Yurii Popov, wife Yuliia, friends, and comrades-in-arms.

Ruslan Popov is a Hero of Ukraine, Captain of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine. He was born on August 20, 1977 in Mykolaiv region.

Following his father's example, he became a military man.

“Ruslan always dreamed of becoming a military man. I served on the island of Mayske near Ochakiv. The island was closed. The so-called “Navy SEALs” of the Joint Task Force were trained there. Sometimes, with the commander's permission, I took my son with me to serve,” said the father of the scout.

Ruslan Popov joined the DIU with the rank of captain and became a legendary combat special forces member. He could perform highly complex tasks on land, air, water, and underwater.

He participated in the UN peacekeeping mission in Liberia. After the outbreak of war in 2014, he returned to Ukraine. As part of a special unit of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, he acted in combat missions to protect the state.

Ruslan Popov faced the full-scale russian invasion of 2022 in Mariupol. He left the besieged city on foot with his comrades in arms. In nine days, he covered 165 kilometers and immediately returned to Mariupol aboard an evacuation helicopter to pick up the wounded from Azovstal and bring ammunition, medicine, and food to the city's defenders.

During combat operations, he performed one of the most critical and challenging functions — he was a machine gunner — a warrior who covered his comrades and was always the last to leave the battlefield.

During the difficult, dangerous, but essential for Ukraine's mission to liberate Zmiine, Ruslan Popov was also with a machine gun, covering his comrades during the storming of the island. It was his last battle for Ukraine.

Ruslan Popov is survived by his parents, two children, and wife.

Yulia Popova said that she and Ruslan met in kindergarten.

“One day, we met for the first time after a long break in Mykolaiv, and the next day, I found a huge bouquet at the door at the entrance. He asked me if I would like to become his wife the next time. I immediately agreed because I could not imagine my life without him, my best friend,” Yulia recalled.

The Hero of Ukraine's mother, Nadiya, said that her son had an incredibly kind heart, was a caring, decent person, and a true professional.

“God gave Ruslan more kindness than years of life. He was the most wonderful son in the world. The most precious one. I would like to see as many people like him as possible,” said Ms. Nadiya.

“He died like a warrior - with a weapon in his hands. He is my greatest pride and the most painful pain,” said Yuriy, the father of the Hero of Ukraine.

Ruslan Popov received many departmental and state awards for his outstanding services to Ukraine:

- Medal “To the Defender of the Fatherland”;

- The President of Ukraine's award “For participation in the anti-terrorist operation”;

- Commemorative sign “For Military Valor”;

- Medal “For courage in the performance of special tasks”;

- Medal for “Devotion to Military Intelligence”;

- UN medal.

The highest state title, “Hero of Ukraine,” with the Order of “Golden Star,” was posthumously awarded to outstanding intelligence officer Ruslan Popov.

“The booklet about Ruslan Popov will be included in a large book of stories about warriors, which is designed to preserve the memory of its Heroes for Ukrainians,” said Olha Mosiondz, the author of the DIU's project ‘Outstanding Intelligence Officers.’

Ukraine must know the names of its Heroes!

Eternal honor and glory to the Hero of Ukraine, Ruslan Popov!

Glory to Ukraine!