20-year-old scout Kyrylo Rudenko died in Donetsk: the story of a hero from the USA.

According to ТСН: Recently, a farewell was held in Kyiv for young Ukrainian soldier Kyrylo Rudenko, codename "Kozyr," who had recently turned 20.

Kyrylo grew up in the capital, and his childhood was spent in Poznyaky. Later, he moved to the USA to be with his mother, where he studied at a local school.

According to relatives, two weeks before his 18th birthday, the young man decided to return to Ukraine to defend it.

"He was a bright, kind, and at the same time, an exceptionally principled person. Young, handsome, composed, with an inner core and a clear sense of justice and idealism. He never hid behind others and always acted according to what his heart and conscience dictated,"

— Kyrylo's relatives say.

These traits, according to his loved ones, led him to military service. After completing his training in the summer of 2025, at the age of 19, Kyrylo voluntarily joined the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, reconnaissance battalion Hatred.

Kyrylo died on December 11, 2025.

"It happened on a cold winter morning in Donetsk while performing a combat mission. For the state, he is a Defender and a Hero. For us, he is our brave boy, a son whom we loved and will always love,"

— his relatives say.

One of his comrades recalls a calm moment between drills after a hard ascent into the mountains: evening, clear blue sky, Kyrylo lies on his backpack, smoking a cigarette and reading a historical book in English.

This scene, according to friends, remains in memory as an image of calmness and inner dignity. Kyrylo embodied values that are not declared but lived: adventurism, intellectuality, nobility, principle, fidelity to one's word, and brotherhood.

"Looking at him, I saw a new generation of 'Avanhard' — a person who became an integral part of our family, our brotherhood,"

— recalls one of his comrades.

Kyrylo's death along with his comrade with the call sign "Advocate" was a great loss. Their combat path turned into a story that goes beyond personal loss.

Comrades from reconnaissance describe Kyrylo as a few words and focused person who speaks through actions. He was modest in everyday life but reliable in task execution.

Kyrylo quickly grasped the essence of the task, worked carefully with information, and never improvised when precision was needed. His professionalism was combined with respect for the team and discipline. When he received a task, he executed it flawlessly.

With him, there was always a sense of order — everyone knew that he kept his sector under control.

People speak about Kyrylo with deep respect as a person who embodied the archetype of a hero through his life and death.

The memory of Kyrylo Rudenko will remain alive in stories, values, and in his example that inspires others to be worthy.

His father is also currently serving at the front in an infantry brigade.

Kyrylo Rudenko entered history as a courageous and principled defender of his country. His journey from childhood in Poznyaky to military service and heroic death inspires many Ukrainians. The memory of him lives in the hearts of relatives, friends, and comrades who continue his work, serving Ukraine. Every memory of Kyrylo reminds us of the values of true courage, friendship, and dedication.