A farewell ceremony was held in Kyiv for Polish volunteer Marek Rusek-Wolski, who was killed in a Russian attack on Kharkiv; the volunteer had been helping Ukraine since the start of the full-scale war, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said.
"Today in Kyiv, a farewell ceremony was held for an outstanding son of Poland, a great friend of Ukraine, Mr. Marek Rusek-Wolski – a Polish volunteer who helped Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression and was killed in Kharkiv as a result of a Russian drone attack," he said on X social media platform on Friday.
"We express our condolences to his loved ones, family, and friends. We share their pain and join them in their grief. This is a terrible, irreparable loss," the head of Ukraine's foreign ministry said.
"Through his concrete actions, Mr Marek proved that solidarity is not an abstract slogan, but real actions and a tangible contribution. He did not remain indifferent when disaster – Russian aggression – struck Ukraine. He got behind the wheel himself and, time and again, delivered aid and supported the people of Kharkiv. He did this out of the goodness of his heart. It was his choice – the choice to do good and help people – and we will never forget that," the minister said.
In his view, this tragic death is "yet another reminder of what Russian aggression is all about. It knows no bounds, disregards nationality, and destroys everything. But it will never destroy Ukrainian-Polish friendship. It will never destroy cooperation within the framework of the Ukrainian-Polish alliance. After all, this is a shared alliance in the face of challenges facing not only Ukraine, but also Poland and Europe."
"Eternal glory to Mr. Marek. We will remember him forever. His contribution will remain in our hearts. Let us honor his memory," Sybiha said.
Deputy Head of the President's Office Iryna Vereschuk was also present at the ceremony. "This is a great loss for both the Polish and Ukrainian peoples. My sincere condolences to Marek's family and loved ones. A Pole with a big heart who, risking his own life, saved Ukrainians near the front lines. This is exactly how grateful Ukrainians will remember him," Vereschuk said on her Telegram channel on Friday.
Marek died in late July when a Russian drone struck his car just as he had arrived in Ukraine on another humanitarian mission. He was 42 years old, according to Suspilne, citing Piotr Lukasiewicz, Poland's chargé d'affaires in Ukraine. Marek-Rousek Wolski will be buried in Poland.
