He rescued people from the wrecked bus just after the explosion. On April 13, 2025, a Russian missile strike on the centre of Sumy claimed the lives of at least 35 people. At that moment, 13-year-old Kiril Illiashenko was riding the bus with his mother. After the explosion, the passengers were trapped inside.

Kiril reacted instantly. He tried to open the door from the inside, but he couldn’t. So he jumped out and opened the bus door from the street side. Thanks to this, those who survived the blast were able to escape. Including Kiril’s mother. The schoolboy himself suffered a head injury and underwent surgery.

Explaining his actions, Kiril says that his athletic skills helped him stay calm. He has been practicing freestyle wrestling since childhood, which taught him to act under pressure and not lose control at a critical moment.

His father, Oleksii, is a coach. It was he who introduced his son to the sport. The Illiashenkos are a dynasty of athletes and coaches.

Kiril is the Ukrainian champion in his weight class. He is already competing on the international stage and representing Ukraine at European competitions.

Kiril and his father Oleksii told the Museum of Civilian Voices about the events of that day.