Senior Soldier Serhiy Zusin, call sign “Rassel,” was killed on July 29, 2022, in Olenivka. Russian forces executed him along with his brothers-in-arms in a prison colony by blowing up one of the barracks.
Serhiy was 41 years old. He was born in Mariupol to a family where both parents worked at a steel plant. From the age of two, his mother placed him in kindergarten, and he started school at six. He studied very well. In middle school, his favorite subjects were mathematics and physics. At the same time, he received a music education in piano, winning first places in city and regional solfeggio competitions.
Later, he enrolled at the Mariupol Metallurgical Institute. After graduation, he worked as a welder at the Illich Iron and Steel Works. After suffering an eye injury from a spark, he decided not to return to the plant.
In 2015, Serhiy joined the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO), volunteering with the “Artemivsk” Battalion. After completing his service, he immediately joined the Main Directorate of the National Police in Donetsk region, serving in the Special Police Battalion. In autumn 2021, he left the police force and joined the “Azov” Regiment. The full-scale invasion found him in his native Mariupol. Posthumously, he was awarded the Order “For Courage,” 3rd Class.
“Serhiy truly loved my daughter from my first marriage, and she loved him back. They often did homework together, because he was very smart and remembered everything from school. He was proud of his 16-year-old son, who played football and was one of the best in his age group. He had many friends and acquaintances. I was amazed that whenever we walked through the city, every 10 minutes he would stop to greet someone. He was always on the phone, solving something, helping others with different matters,” recalled his fiancée Anastasiia.
The soldier was buried on June 2, 2023, at the Alley of Glory in Lukyanivske Cemetery in Kyiv.
Serhiy is survived by his mother, his son from his first marriage, and his fiancée.
At 9:00 a.m. — a nationwide moment of silence. The Donetsk Regional Military Administration and the Heroes Memorial platform honor the fallen defenders from Donetsk region.