Remembering Sergey Polishchuk, 35

This article originally appeared on Climbing

Sergey Polishchuk was a lover of mountains and a lover of life. He spent his days pursuing climbing, mountaineering, trail running, snowboarding, and whatever else could get him into the mountains. He was killed in battle on June 11, 2022, a week before his 36th birthday.

"Warmth and care were his most characteristic traits," remembers his friend, Mariia Moskalets. "He had a sunny and very kind smile."

Polishchuk was a giving and compassionate person; he reveled in sharing his passions with others. He was very active in the world of trail running, often participating in races and even more often volunteering to help organize the race. Several friends have posted dedications to Polishchuk on his Facebook profile, remarking at what an inspiration and voice of encouragement he was.

"I remembered how you helped me learn how to run properly for my first 5k, and I didn’t die!" wrote Denys Davydenko. The post goes on to describe several races that Sergey helped Davydenko with, and ends with this note: "I could not have done it without you and I really appreciate your contribution to this. Thank you!"

Moskalets describes Polishchuk as a "meticulous and thorough person." Friends and acquaintances would reach out to him if they needed recommendations about gear or knowledge about a route. He was also a leather worker, creating intricate belts and other trinkets, and always gifting whatever he made to a loved one.

Polishchuk had previously fought against the Russians when they invaded Crimea in 2014. When Russia invaded again in 2022, Polishchuk felt it was his duty to stand up and fight. "When we asked him if he was afraid," Moskalets said, "he answered 'Yes, I am afraid, but I have to be here. I have experience. While the other guys catch up, someone has to stand in the first wave.'"

"His character and worldview had a very negative attitude towards aggression and violence," Moskalets continues. "But these things are an integral part of the war and he had to accept them to protect us."

It was Polishchuk’s dream to climb the Matterhorn, a dream which he did not realize before his death. But Polishchuk's friend, Vladimir Kuzminsky, climbed the Matterhorn and planted a Ukrainian flag on the summit, in honor of the fallen heroes.

"I dedicate this ascent to all defenders of Ukraine! You are the heroes! And heroes don’t die!" wrote Kuzminsky. "Among them were my friends Fetisov Nikolay and Serhiy Polishchuk. May you rest in peace! Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Heroes!"

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