From Kyiv activist to soldier, his legacy continues to inspire generations in the fight for democracy and community protection.
Roman Ratushnyi (1997–2022) was a Ukrainian civic activist, environmentalist, and soldier, known for his dedication to defending democratic values, Kyiv’s green spaces, and the community at large. Born on July 5, 1997, in Kyiv, the son of writer Svitlana Povaliaeva and activist Taras Ratushnyi, he took part in the 2014 Revolution of Dignity at just 16, facing police violence and demonstrating a strong civic commitment from a young age.
After the Maidan, his focus shifted to urban activism and the protection of public spaces. In 2018, he founded the initiative “Let’s Protect Protasiv Yar,” later transformed into an NGO, to stop the illegal construction of skyscrapers in Protasiv Yar Park, successfully safeguarding an important green space in Kyiv. His work combined environmental awareness, legality, and civic participation, reflecting a pragmatic philosophy grounded in responsibility toward the community and respect for common goods.
With the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Ratushnyi joined the Ukrainian army as a scout in the 93rd Mechanized Brigade, under the call sign “Seneca.” He took part in reconnaissance and ambush missions in the Kharkiv region, where he was tragically killed on June 9, 2022, near the village of Sulyhivka in the Izium district. His funeral on June 18, 2022, was attended by hundreds of citizens, activists, soldiers, and journalists, a testament to the impact he had on Ukrainian society.
His activism was guided by a strong civic sense, democratic values, and environmentalism. His political philosophy can be described as comprehensive civic activism: defending rights, protecting the territory, directly pursuing social justice, and safeguarding the community.
His legacy continues to live on: a street in Kyiv bears his name, an annual scholarship for young activists has been established, and Protasiv Yar Park has been recognized as a landscape reserve. Roman Ratushnyi remains a symbol of courage, dedication, and civic engagement, inspiring new generations to defend democratic values and Ukraine’s cultural and natural heritage.
