According to the Ukrainian news outlet Suspilne Crimea, the former Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky‘s personal stylist, who was also a military member, passed away due to heart failure.
Shura Ryazantseva, known as Yalta, had an impressive career as a fashion stylist and costume designer for television channels and celebrities in Ukraine before joining the military in response to Russia’s invasion in 2022.
She mentioned dressing Zelensky and actors from Ukrainian TV entertainment company Kvartal 95 among her accomplishments.
Ryazantseva’s sister, Valeria Ryazantseva, announced her passing on Facebook, expressing her sorrow.
Reports from Suspilne Crimea stated that the 78th Air Assault Rifle Brigade disclosed that Ryazantseva passed away from a heart attack, confirmed by a medical certificate.
In a recent post on X (previously Twitter), Zelensky held Russia accountable for the war they initiated, emphasizing the need for reparations for the extensive damage caused by their aggression.
Myroslava Petra, a BBC journalist covering Ukraine, honored Ryazantseva by sharing her story including a photo of her grandparents who fought in WWII.
Ryazantseva, known as Shura Ryazantseva (callsign Yalta), had aspirations of returning to Crimea, starting a family, and living peacefully. Regrettably, she lost her life during action, perpetuated by the conflict initiated by Russia.
Shura Ryazantseva, former Zelensky’s personal stylist (callsign Yalta), was killed during action. She had a dream of going back to Crimea, starting a family and returning home.
Her grandparents met during World War II while fighting Nazis. Shura was killed by Russia 80 years after D-Day. pic.twitter.com/PpC8Ii4jMA— Myroslava Petsa (@myroslavapetsa) June 11, 2024
Ryazantseva, who was from Crimea, experienced the invasion and annexation by Russia in 2014. She actively participated in the Revolution of Dignity, advocating for closer ties between Ukraine and the European Union.
Though Ukraine still aspires to join the EU after the events of the revolution in 2014, the journey remains unfulfilled.