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Ukraine war: My friend the activist Roman Ratushny - killed at just 24

Fierce fighting continues in east Ukraine, particularly around the city of Severodonetsk, where heavy bombardments from Russia is endangering the lives of thousands of trapped civilians and the Ukrainian forces defending the city.

A young blogger has found out that his friend Roman Ratushny, a well-known activist, was killed in eastern Ukraine, aged 24. He remembers Roman as being a lifelong campaigner and activist, who when asked if he feared death, said he feared "bondage and slavery" more. He says Roman's death has been the biggest shock of the war so far.

"He touched so many destinies, so many lives with his pure spirit."

Photo: Roman Ratushny firing a flare during a political rally in Kyiv, Ukraine, 2 February 2021 Credit: EPA

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