On March 7, the legendary Ukrainian defender, commander of the 1st assault company of the Ukrainian Volunteer Corps “Right Sector” Dmitry Kotsyubaylo (call sign Da Vinci) died.
About it in Telegram informed President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky.
“Today, Da Vinci, Hero of Ukraine, volunteer, man-symbol, man-courage Dmitry Kotsyubaylo, died in battle. A fighter of the 67th separate mechanized brigade, battalion commander. He died in a battle near Bakhmut, in a battle for Ukraine. Since 2014, he has defended our independence, dignity of our people. One of the youngest Heroes of Ukraine. One of those whose personal history, character, courage forever became the history, character and courage of Ukraine,” he wrote.
Zelensky recalled that Russia’s war against Ukraine has been going on for more than nine years, and stressed that Ukrainian defenders are fighting for the future of the country in fierce battles.
“Calmness and relative security in the rear cities is their feat. Our confidence in the victory of Ukraine is their steadfastness and strength. Ukraine will always remember its heroes. Our memory of them will not perish. This enemy who came to Ukraine will perish. 67- I am a brigade, warriors, glory to your courage! All Ukrainians who fight for Bakhmut, glory to your heroism! Thanks to all the soldiers, whose steadfastness and perseverance destroy the occupying army in Donbas! Eternal memory to all who gave their lives for Ukraine!” he added.
Da Vinci was born in the Ivano-Frankivsk region in 1995, he has been at war since 2014. At the age of 21, he became the youngest commander of the 1st assault company of the Right Sector DUK. In 2014, Kotsyubaylo was seriously wounded by a tank shell in Pesky, Donetsk region. Three months after recovery and rehabilitation, he returned to the front.
In 2021, Zelensky awarded Da Vinci the title of Hero of Ukraine and presented him with the Order of the Golden Star, the decree stated that the serviceman was awarded the title for his personal courage shown in protecting the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The award ceremony took place at the solemn meeting of the Verkhovna Rada on the Independence Day of Ukraine.
In August 2022, Kotsyubailo received the primary officer rank – junior lieutenant, wrote “ArmyInform” .
After the start of a full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation, “Vovki da Vinchi” under the leadership of Kotsyubaylo defended Ukraine at the front, in particular, they liberated the Kharkiv region last fall.
Press service of the division emphasized on Facebook that his commander devoted his entire adult life to the fight.
“He died with a weapon in his hands, he died, going into battle first. He lived and died like a Hero. Our unit is called “Vovki da Vinci” precisely because we always followed him into battle. He was our best commander, brother, “Leader and exemplary nationalist. Today, our fighting family has suffered an irreparable loss. Today, all of Ukraine has lost a legendary commander. From now on, all of us must continue his struggle. In the name of our fallen heroes, we will win this war by firing Russian occupiers from our land. Honor and glory to the Hero!” ” – the message says.
