Our colleague, a regular correspondent for The Ukrainian Week/Tyzhden in the city of Kropyvnytskyi, southern Ukraine, joined the army and was killed in combat. He enlisted on February 24, 2022, yet continued to write reports for us, brimming with both bitterness and humour, with meticulous observations and honest truths, vividly depicting the brutality of war. Often writing from the trenches amidst the chaos, he had a keen ability to convey the daily life of the soldiers. Dmytro was talented in everything he did. His first-person articles, written from the front lines, offered a unique and genuine perspective on the war from a human standpoint.
“Dmytro had one great love: Ukraine. He dreamed of his country’s bright future and did everything in his power to make that future a reality as soon as possible. He lived for Her and ultimately gave his life for Her. He was a brilliant, intelligent, sincere man, devoted to his principles. Dmytro had a very philosophical and unique perspective on life and death. So I urge you not to let sadness consume you,” wrote his wife Olena on her Facebook page.
She suggests that the most fitting tribute to her husband’s memory is “to reject both the offering and the giving of bribes. To ardently champion our rights. To embrace Ukrainian language in speech, in reading, in listening, and to remain unwaveringly engaged.” Such was the way of Dmytro.
“I am grateful that you chose to defend our Ukraine. I am thankful for your presence on this earth. Thank you for our son – he shines as the brightest, warmest light. Know that I will forever hold you in my heart. Across all galaxies, in every world,” wrote Dmytro’s widow to her beloved husband.
As Dmytro’s journalist colleagues, we share in the grief of his family, friends, and fellow soldiers. The loss of such talented, courageous, and capable young individuals is truly heart-wrenching. They were so beautiful. Let us honour their memory by staying true to our shared professional and human principles.
