On November 1st, the 30th birthday of Dmytro Kotsiubailo (“Da Vinci”), the 1st Separate Assault Regiment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the 1st Separate Assault Regiment Hub jointly held a memorial evening dedicated to the Hero of Ukraine at the War Museum.
“Da Vinci” went to the front at the age of 18, became the commander of the 1st Assault Company “Da Vinci Wolves” at 21, and subsequently became the first volunteer to be awarded the high title of Hero of Ukraine during his lifetime. He was killed in action on March 7, 2023, in a battle near Bakhmut, Donetsk Region.
During the event, family members, comrades-in-arms, and friends of “Da Vinci” shared memories of Dmytro, jointly performed the Prayer of the Ukrainian Nationalist, and honored all fallen heroes with a minute of silence.
His sister, Oleksandra, who also currently serves in the 1st Separate Assault Regiment, recalled her senior brother with warmth and pride. Another part of the family, unfortunately, could not travel to Kyiv. By a twist of fate, Dmytro’s junior brother was killed at the front exactly a year ago, and close relatives were paying tribute to him in their native Ivano-Frankivsk region. Dmytro and Ivan Kotsiubailo will forever remain 27 years old...
The Chief of Staff of the 1st Separate Assault Regiment, comrade “Pharaoh,” was able to attend the event in person. He noted that the battalion upholds all the principles and foundations that “Da Vinci” had established during his many years of commanding the “Wolves,” and emphasized that his vision for the functioning of a combat unit is one of the most effective and efficient.
Brothers-in-arms shared their personal memories of serving under Dmytro Kotsiubailo’s leadership. They recalled him as a demanding, yet fair and calm commander. For the servicemen, he was a high moral benchmark, and their greatest fear was letting their commander down.
Violetta Kirtoka, Executive Secretary of the Public Organization “People’s Hero of Ukraine,” and Hero of Ukraine, People’s Artist of Ukraine Ada Rohovtseva spoke about Dmytro’s public activities, his active position on supporting servicemen, and commemorating the memory of those who fell for Ukraine.
A significant moment during the event was the solemn handover of the regiment’s combat banner to the War Museum’s collection. Accepting the artifact, Director General Yurii Savchuk noted: “This banner will take an honorable place in our fund collection. It is the Museum’s duty to preserve and pass on the memory of the Hero of Ukraine Dmytro Kotsiubailo. I humbly thank the 1st Separate Assault Regiment and every single male and female Defender for your feat and for placing what is most valuable on the altar of our Motherland’s freedom.”
A special installation was displayed at the museum location for the event, featuring the Hero of Ukraine’s personal belongings, awards, and his own drawings.
In honor of Dmytro Kotsiubailo’s memory, the “Kulturnyi desant” (“Cultural Landing”) group and Serhiі Vasyliuk, front man and founder of the band “Tin Sontsia” (“Sun Shadow”), performed poignant musical compositions.
To conclude the event, a light installation featuring Dmytro Kotsiubailo’s photo and the 1st Separate Assault Regiment symbolism was projected onto the War Museum, created by the artist Mykola Kabluka. The servicemen lined up with torches and proclaimed a symbolic oath.
Glory to the Hero!
