21.10.2022, Rostov-on-Don.
Irina Rybalko, the mother of a young soldier who died a heroic death during a military special operation, became the leader of a volunteer team in the Matveevo-Kurgan district of the Rostov region, the Molot newspaper reported on October 21.
Irina’s son Artyom Pastukhov, a Guards Airborne private, served under contract. Irina found out about his death on May 21, on her birthday.
Artyom was killed near Popasnaya. He shot down an enemy tank, and then rushed to save his seriously wounded friend Aleksandr. Artyom saved his comrade, but was wounded himself, as a result of which he died on the way to the hospital.
For selflessness and bravery, for brave and decisive actions Artem Pastukhov was awarded the Order of Courage (posthumously). In memory of Artyom a memorial plaque was unveiled on the facade of the school in the village of Malokirsanovka, where he studied. A similar plaque appeared on the building of Taganrog College of Construction Industry and Technology, where Artem had graduated.
His mother Irina Rybalko is a social worker. In spring together with her husband, she and fellow-villagers started to collect humanitarian aid for the wounded soldiers undergoing treatment in the Rostov hospital.
Step by step, Irana formed a volunteer team. Residents of the Matveevo-Kurgan district, as well as various institutions and companies, became its members. And then people from other districts and cities of Rostov region and even from other regions of Russia began to join Irina Rybalko’s team. Today the group unites about 500 people.
The community sends sleeping bags, food, medicine, clothes, binoculars, disposable dishes and other humanitarian aid to soldiers fighting on the front lines.
“I don’t know how I would live right now without collecting humanitarian supplies, it saves me. When I look at the servicemen, we’re handing over everything we’ve collected, and I see my son in them. I feel like I’m communicating with him,” Irina shared.
Source: Rossa Primavera News Agency
