Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu ordered the fulfillment of the request of a Russian soldier killed on the battlefield in Ukraine, who carved his last words on the wall with bricks, hoping to bring his remains back home.
According to the Russian newspaper Izvestia, the soldier, named Rudakov, is from the city of Bataysk, Rostov Oblast, and was sent to the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine in February this year. On March 17, his unit was heavily attacked by Ukrainian forces, and he was wounded in battle and trapped in an abandoned house. Unable to get in touch with the outside world, he knew he didn't have long to live, so he carved his last words on the wall with a brick, which read as follows:
My name is Rudakov and I am from the city of Batestysk, Rostov region. I died here in the hope that my body could be transported back to my hometown so that my parents could see me for the last time. I love my homeland, and I die for my homeland. Please tell my parents that I have not failed them, that I am a brave soldier, that I am not afraid of death, that I have not surrendered. Please forgive me, I can't be with you anymore. I love you and say goodbye. ”
Rudakov's last words on the wall. Izvestia**
Rudakov's last words were discovered in early April by a Russian rescue team who entered the house while clearing the battlefield. A member of the rescue team said they were shocked and saddened to see the handwriting on the wall, and they immediately packed Rudakov's body and his personal belongings to be shipped back to Russia. They also photographed the last words on the wall and sent ** to the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Shagigu, after receiving **, was so moved that he immediately ordered the fulfillment of Rudakov's request, the return of his remains to his homeland, and a solemn funeral was held for him, according to Izvestia. Shoigu also personally called Rudakov's parents to express condolences and condolences to them, praising their son as a hero who sacrificed his life for the country and deserves the admiration and remembrance of the people of the whole country. Shoigu also promised to provide all necessary help and support to Rudakov's family.
In an interview with Izvestia, Rudakov's parents said that they were very grateful for Shoigu's care and thoughtfulness, they said that their son was their pride, they were proud of his bravery and loyalty, and they hoped that his last words would be known to more people so that his sacrifice would not be in vain. They also said that they hope that the war in Ukraine will end as soon as possible, so that more Russian soldiers can return safely and that no more families will suffer what they have experienced.