Heroes Never Die: Stanislav Imamov

"My husband wanted us all to be happy," says Natalia Imamova. "He fought for each and every one of us and for all of Ukraine."

Intent continues its series of articles about fallen defenders,“Heroes Never Die.”

Junior Sergeant Stanislav Rudinovich Imamov, commander of a rifle squad in the 184th Battalion of the 122nd Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces, was killed on December 28, 2023, near the village of Studenok in the Sumy region. His vehicle was ambushed by an enemy sabotage and reconnaissance group.

His wife, Natalia, and his brother, Rostislav, spoke about his life, his love of folk dancing, his kind heart, and his tireless dedication to his work and military service.

“We met in 2016 in Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, in the Odesa region, at a theater during a performance,” recalls Natalia. “He was in the dance troupe, and I was in the acting cast. I was still finishing high school at the time.

PHOTO provided by the interviewees

Stas and his twin brother Rostislav danced our folk dances, the hopak, as well as the polka, ballet, and Latin American dances. They enjoyed it, and they were wonderful dancers; they were loved and respected here. They were very lively. Actually, his brother Rostislav was a bit more serious in life.

PHOTO provided by the interviewees

Stas had a kind heart. And he was always smiling. Even when he came home exhausted from work, he would go help someone if asked. “We worked together in Belgorod at the Orion factory, and then later in Odessa at a supermarket chain.”

“We’re twins,” says Rostislav Imamov. “Stas was more lively and boisterous, while I was more reserved. I think my brother was also a harder worker.

We went through all sorts of things in life. People sometimes confused us, and once, the same girl liked both of us. But our close friends, of course, could tell us apart. We also did our military service together, in the Saratsky District, near the border with Moldova.

When the full-scale war began, Stas was already in the army on March 3. And I, of course, followed him. How could I not? My brother was already fighting—we’re always together. I enlisted on March 8, but I was assigned to the 61st Mobile Battalion. And for the first year, we served in different units.”

“When the full-scale invasion began, Stas had already completed his mandatory military service,” recalls Natalia Imamova. “He had studied military affairs thoroughly and respected the military. He was very concerned about his family and considered it his duty to go and defend all of us. Especially since his best friend had joined the army, and his brother followed later. And Stas said he would never surrender.”

PHOTO provided by interviewees

Stas was also near Bakhmut, where he was wounded. Doctors removed a piece of shrapnel from his leg.

Rostislav was initially stationed in hotspots and later became a medic. Stas managed to get his brother transferred to his unit, but they served together for only a month.

PHOTO provided by the interviewees

Shortly before his final mission, Stas called me and said that the situation in the Sumy region was very intense. We also talked about our plans for New Year’s, which we wanted to celebrate together. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen.

PHOTO provided by the interviewees

And then Rostislav called. On December 28, the enemy ambushed the car in which my husband was traveling. The driver was most likely Valentin Bershadskyi. Stas was sitting next to the driver, and they bore the brunt of the attack.

Rostislav and his comrades gathered a group to help. But there were simply too many enemies.”

“Stas distinguished himself right from his very first days in the army,” says Rostislav Imamov. “Even back when his unit was stationed in Izmail in the Odesa region, it was clear that the other guys respected him and listened to him. That’s why he eventually became a commander.

My brother has five awards, two of which were awarded posthumously. Stas was almost always joking around. He’d say, ‘I’m taking down these damn occupiers, and I’m even getting medals for it.’

PHOTO provided by interviewees

He was fearless in battle. And he never forgot to crack a joke. Once he threw a grenade into a basement, and the occupiers were screaming from inside. And Stas told them, “What are you screaming about? Everyone in there’s already dead.” Then he threw another one.

PHOTO provided by interviewees

On December 28, I helped him and his comrades get into that car. I said, “Bro, be careful.” And he replied, “Everything’ll be great.” And off they went—unfortunately, on their final journey.

All of us who joined the army knew how it could turn out. My brother was great at taking out the occupiers. Thanks to him and others like him, we’re alive and moving toward victory.”

“Stas died so that all of us here could be happy—that’s what he wanted most,” says Natalia. “I’m proud of my husband. He always wanted the best for me, for his family, and for all of Ukraine.” 

Антон Терехов