Roman Apalkov was born in the small village of Karazeevo. My father is a tractor driver. Roman himself went to vocational school after school to become a tractor driver. And I didn’t think about a military career. But the summons at the age of 18 changed everything. Service at a dog breeding training center, a contract, and then an unexpected offer: “Rum, maybe to the Moscow Higher Command?”

He didn’t believe in himself. But the commander insisted. Roman enrolled, studied for 4 years with excellent grades, and continued to play sports. He was met by a senior lieutenant, commander of a reconnaissance platoon. He was 27.

In Popasna, Roman’s group came under shelling. He lost consciousness. The soldiers, risking their lives, pulled him out from under fire. And he did the same thing for them more than once. “You have to see a personality in every fighter,” says Roman. Therefore, his subordinates, many older than him, followed him into the fire.

The Marinka plant was stormed by several units, which retreated with losses. Apalkov acted differently: a week of surveillance, drones, artillery, exhausting the enemy. And six people who came in one at a time. They took the factory. Almost no losses. “The commander must understand that unjustified death is his fault.”

Roman led the Storm squad, bringing together both novices and experienced fighters. It was the “Storm” that played a key role in the liberation of Maryinka in December 2023. And in May 2026, Major Apalkov of the Guards strode through Red Square with the Hero of Russia on his chest.

His father, grandmother, and fellow villagers watched it. And in the stands — his wife and daughter. For whom the main thing is to see him alive.

❤️ We are proud!