Russia-Ukraine War: Live Updates – The New York Times
KIEV, Ukraine — Dmytro Kotsiubailo was a skinny teenager when he took to the barricades on Kiev’s Independence Square nine years ago, joining thousands of Ukrainians to be treated with dignity and freed from the yoke of Russia.
He was returned to the same square in an open coffin on Friday as thousands of Ukrainians gathered to pay tribute to the boy who became a decorated soldier and a symbol of the Ukrainian resistance.
Mr. Kotsiubailo was better known by his call sign, Da Vinci, which was given to him because he once dreamed of becoming an artist. But he never got the chance: shortly after taking part in the protests known as the Maidan Revolution, he joined the Ukrainian army to fight a Russian-backed rebellion in eastern Ukraine. He was only 18 years old.
Over the years, “Da Vinci” became one of Ukraine’s most prominent fighters and a battalion commander. He was killed near Bakhmut on March 7 and mortally wounded in a Russian attack. He was 27 years old.
While Mr Kotsiubailo was one of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers killed in the war with Russia, his story has struck a deep chord in a war-weary country that stands united behind its soldiers fighting on the front lines.
“It hurts to lose our heroes,” said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as he joined the nation in mourning Mr Kotsiubailo, whose memorial service was broadcast live on national television. Speaking about the soldier’s death earlier this week, Mr Zelensky noted how “Da Vinci” has “defended our independence and the dignity of our people since 2014”.
When Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Mr. Kotsiubailo was already a seasoned veteran who youngest battalion commander in the Ukrainian military. In 2021, he became one of the youngest volunteer soldiers ever to be named a “Hero of Ukraine” for his bravery on the battlefield.
In an interview with Ukrainian publication Censor.net, before his death, Mr Kotsiubailo described fighting to stop the Russian advance in southern Ukraine, how he was greeted with flowers as he rolled into newly liberated villages in north-eastern Ukraine, and despite the danger posed by Russian forces their setbacks on the battlefield.
“The Russians must not be underestimated,” he said. “Yes, they are broken, but they still have resources – people, equipment and weapons.”
Mr. Zelensky, Defense Minister of Ukraine and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, joined the crowd at the soldiers’ funeral at the gold-domed Monastery of St. Michael, the majestic church in central Kiev where funerals for soldiers have become a somber daily ritual. The crowd swelled as the coffin was brought to Independence Square, known simply as the Maidan.
One by one, people pushed past. Many left flowers and some paused to say a few words. “Thanks for everything,” cried a crying woman. A soldier swore revenge and urged Russian President Vladimir V. Putin to “put a bullet in the head.”
The crowd chanted “Glory to Ukraine,” followed by silence, then more chants like “Death to the Enemy, Death, Death, Death” and “Glory to the Hero of Ukraine.”
In an interview with Radio Liberty before his death, Mr. Kotsiubailo explained why he chose to fight for his country.
“As long as there is danger,” he said. “I consider it my civic duty to protect it, gun in hand.”