On April 12, the War Museum honored the memory of Ruslan Hanushchak, known by his call signs "Photographer" and "Ostap". A senior sergeant of the reconnaissance unit of the strike UAV complex "CODE 9.2" of the 92nd Separate Assault Brigade named after Koshovyi Otaman Ivan Sirko, a photographer, documentary filmmaker, war reporter, and participant of the Revolution of Dignity, left a significant mark on both the media and military history of modern Ukraine.
Director of the War Museum Yurii Savchuk emphasized: "The mission of our institution is to preserve the names of heroes as part of our historical and national memory for future generations. Our defenders serve as guiding lights in our struggle and symbolize our freedom. The Museum will honor the memory of Ruslan Hanushchak, ensuring that his story becomes an inspiration for young visitors."
The event gathered family, comrades-in-arms, and colleagues who fondly remembered Ruslan. Like many Ukrainians, his life was transformed by the Revolution of Dignity.
Ihor Poshyvailo, Director General of the National Memorial Complex to the Heavenly Hundred Heroes and Revolution of Dignity Museum, spoke about Ruslan Hanushchak’s work in those tumultuous days. The reporter was at the epicenter of the events, and his video materials became evidence in pre-trial investigations and court cases related to crimes during the Euromaidan and also became the basis for the film "Ukraine. Maidan. Reloading".
In 2014, Ruslan voluntarily joined the Azov Battalion, where he worked in the press service. He documented the battles in Ilovaisk, Shyrokyne, Hranitne, Berdiansk, and Marinka, interviewed Ukrainian soldiers, and recorded events from the front line. This footage became the documentary films "Two Days in Ilovaisk" and "Brother for Brother."
With the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Ruslan worked as a war correspondent and cameraman, covering events in Chernihiv and Kyiv regions. Later, he joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine and became a member of the CODE 9.2 unit. On January 11, 2025, he was killed during a combat mission in the Kursk region.
Major Oleh Kalashnikov, Head of the 1st Information and Communication Support Center of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, remembered Ruslan as a loyal comrade-in-arms. He consistently acted professionally and responsibly, whether using an FPV drone or small arms, and never ceased documenting the war.
Journalists Andriy Tsapliyenko, Ihor Zakharov, and Yaroslav Bondarenko shared their memories of working together in civilian life and the war zone.
Ruslan’s sister, Iryna Hanushchak-Forostian, addressed the audience via video from the United States. His cousin, Professor Liudmyla Fylypovych, also spoke.
Archival photos and his invariable bulletproof vest, featuring the "PRESS" patch, created a sense of his ongoing presence.
The event was organized with the support of the 1st Information and Communication Support Center of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, the family, and the Ruslan Hanushchak Documentary Foundation.
Glory to the Defender!
