Da Vinci would have turned 29. What was the first volunteer – Hero of Ukraine.

Hero of Ukraine Da Vinci: the path of a Ukrainian fighter to glory

Today, on November 1, military officer Dmytro Kotsyubaylo with the call sign Da Vinci would have turned 29. But he died on March 7, 2023, fighting near Bakhmut.

Dmytro Kotsyubaylo was born in 1995 in Ivano-Frankivsk region. He was the founder of the battalion "Wolves of Da Vinci" and a Hero of Ukraine who gave his life for the fight on the front line.

As a child, Da Vinci dreamed of becoming an artist, but he went to the front as a volunteer during the Revolution of Dignity. He took part in many battles and was able to show great courage and dedication to his country.

Da Vinci was an active participant in the ATO and rapidly rose in military service, becoming the commander of the 1st separate assault company. He received the title of Hero of Ukraine for personal courage and the defense of state sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Moskals should not be feared, they should be destroyed.

Dmytro Kotsyubaylo

In February 2022, after the Russian invasion, Kotsyubaylo, along with his unit, helped to de-occupy the Kharkiv region. He was the youngest commander and was always on the front line.

On March 7, 2023, Da Vinci died in battle near Bakhmut when a famous mortar shell struck his neck. He remained a legend and a symbol of Ukraine's struggle for freedom and independence.

Today, on the occasion of Da Vinci's birthday, a commemorative stele was unveiled in Donetsk region to honor the memory of the hero. His memory will live forever in the hearts of Ukrainians.