Defending his native land from the invaders, Dmytro Rusetskyi—a renowned Ukrainian coach, Master of Sport of international class in WAKO kickboxing, a medalist of World and European Cups, and a champion of Ukraine—was killed on the front line. He fell in the Sumy region while carrying out a combat mission on February 5, 2026. He was only 28.
Dmytro was among those athletes who achieve results through disciplined, consistent effort. He took up kickboxing at the age of 14, steadily progressing from his first competitions to performances on the international stage. As a member of the national team, he represented Ukraine at international events, where he repeatedly won prize places. In 2023, already amid the full-scale war, he claimed a bronze medal at the WAKO Kickboxing World Cup in Hungary. He noted at the time that, for the first time in many years, he had prepared on his own—without a coach, who had joined the ranks of the country’s Defense Forces.
Alongside his own athletic career, Dmytro worked as a coach, training young athletes and passing on the experience and knowledge he had gained through years of competition and practice.
The Ukrainian WAKO Kickboxing Federation recalls him with sorrow: “An incredibly talented athlete, mentor, and coach who devoted his life to the development of youth and the nurturing of true champions. Dmytro was not only a strong fighter in the ring, but also a courageous defender of Ukraine.”
Dmytro served in the Sumy region in a unit of unmanned aerial systems. His work involved aerial reconnaissance and carrying out missions using drones—a field that, in modern warfare, is of critical importance for identifying enemy positions and coordinating unit operations. It was during one such combat mission near Pysarivka in the Sumy district that he lost his life.
The life of Dmytro Rusetskyi was cut short. Yet his path—bright, swift, and honorable—left behind more than victories. He left an example of how to withstand blows, how to go to the very end, even in the face of mortal danger.
Eternal memory to the Hero!