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Ukrainian Kickboxing Champion Dmytro Rusetzkyi Killed in Combat Against Russian Forces
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![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
Ukrainian athlete and coach Dmytro Rusetzkyi has been killed in combat against Russian forces. He died on February 15 while carrying out a combat mission near the village of Pysarivka, in the Sumy region.
The news was shared by Olha Pavlenko, President of the Ukrainian Kickboxing Federation on February 20.
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Rusetzkyi, a multiple-time Ukrainian champion and winner of several World Cup titles, earned the title of International Class Master of Sport in WAKO kickboxing. Outside of his athletic achievements, he was a dedicated coach and mentor to young athletes.
“A truly talented athlete, mentor, and coach who dedicated his life to developing youth and raising true champions,” Pavlenko said.
She added that Rusetzkyi was not only a strong fighter in the ring but also a brave defender of Ukraine, whose strength of spirit, dedication to his work, and love for his country will forever be remembered.
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This is just one of the many stories of Ukrainian athletes during Russian full-scale invasion. Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified from the 2026 Winter Olympic Games after he planned to compete wearing a special “memory helmet,” dedicated to Ukrainian athletes who lost their lives in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
This decision came after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) banned the use of the helmet, which sparked outrage and disappointment among Ukrainians.
In response, Vladyslav Heraskevych plans to take legal action against the IOC after what he described as a “pro-Russian move” in banning him from competing.
“Although the IOC has betrayed them, I will not betray them. We will continue our fight. I am convinced that these athletes have the right to be on this helmet. They had the right to be there during the competition. In the future, they will still be there,” Heraskevych stated.
Earlier, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected Heraskevych’s request to be reinstated after he was disqualified from the men’s event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
CAS confirmed that the IOC's decision, which was not contested in the case, "remains in force." This ruling has further fueled Heraskevych’s resolve to continue his legal fight for justice.
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