Participant in the regional contest “Young Person of the Year – 2026” in the “Unbreakable Will” category: Rustam Chalabiev
The life story of Rustam Nadzhmeddin ogly CHALABIEV is inextricably linked to Mariupol, where his core values—responsibility, discipline, and dedication to Ukraine-were formed.
In 2020, he graduated from the Priazovsk State Technical University with a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering. He worked as a bridge crane operator at the Azovstal Steel Works. In 2018, while serving in the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, he took part in an anti-terrorist operation, where, as a firefighter and rescuer, he helped extinguish fires, rescue people, and assist the civilian population.
On January 6, 2022, he signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He faced the full-scale invasion in Mariupol, where, as part of a territorial defense battalion, he defended the city, carried out combat missions, evacuated civilians, and organized the withdrawal of some personnel from the encirclement. He subsequently continued his service in the Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.
Rustam currently serves as the commander of a combat unit within the personnel department of the headquarters, holding the military rank of captain. For his courage and dedicated service, he has been awarded the Presidential Distinction “For the Defense of Ukraine,” the medal “For Military Service to Ukraine,” and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine’s badge “For Exemplary Service.” He actively supports servicemembers released from captivity and participates in the implementation of veteran policies. Together with his wife, he is raising a daughter and is expecting the birth of a son.