Memorial sign to honour Dmytro "Da Vinci" Kotsiubailo, Hero of Ukraine, unveiled in Donetsk Oblast – photos

A memorial sign marking the entrance to the oblast, known as a ‘stele’, has been unveiled in Donetsk Oblast on the birthday of Dmytro "Da Vinci" Kotsiubailo who was killed in a battle against Russian forces.

Source: Da Vinci Wolves Battalion on Facebook

Quote: "A ceremonial unveiling of a memorial stele in Da Vinci’s honour took place today in Donetsk Oblast, on his birthday. The erecting of this monument here has profound symbolic meaning, as this is where Dmytro fought against the Russian invaders from 2014 until 2023, when he died heroically, defending Ukraine."

Details: The battalion emphasised that Kotsiubailo always brought people together around the cause of fighting for Ukraine's freedom. His charisma, leadership and determination inspired comrades and volunteers, helping forge a strong fighting unit. Even after his heroic death, the memory of him lives on and continues to unite all who value his courage and work tirelessly for Ukraine’s future.

Quote: "Dmytro became a true symbol of courage and devotion to his country, the first volunteer soldier awarded the Hero of Ukraine title while still alive. He believed in Ukraine’s freedom and sovereignty, giving everything he had to defend it, especially in Donetsk Oblast, where he spent most of his years of combat. The unveiling of this stele in his honour is a gesture of deep respect for his sacrifice. It will serve as a reminder of the selflessness and spirit of those fighting for a free Ukraine and the importance of remembering and honouring the heroes who have given their lives for our shared freedom."

Details: The memorial stele was crafted by Ukrainian artist Oleksandr Komiakhov, who also created the visual identity and combat identification patches for Da Vinci's Wolves battalion, which Kotsyubailo himself presented to the unit's soldiers.

Background:

• On 7 March 2023, Dmytro "Da Vinci" Kotsiubailo, a 27-year-old  volunteer of the Right Sector Ukrainian Volunteer Corps and a Hero of Ukraine, was killed at the front line in Donbas. 
• As the Second Lieutenant he headed a separate mechanised battalion known as Vovky Da Vinchi [the Da Vinci Wolves – ed.] as part of the 67th Separate Mechanised Brigade.
• "Da Vinci" had been at the front since the beginning of the Russo-Ukrainian war. In 2014, he was seriously wounded by a tank shell in Pisky, Donetsk Oblast.
• After recovering and three months of rehabilitation, he returned to the front, where he continued to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
• Kotsiubailo was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine under President Zelenskyy’s decree of 30 November 2021.
• The Da Vinci Wolves battalion, previously led by Dmytro Kotsiubailo, has joined the 59th Separate Infantry Brigade named after Yakiv Handziuk and has announced the appointment of a new commander, Serhii Filimonov.

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