Hero of Ukraine Dmytro Kotsyubaylo, widely known by his nom de guerre Da Vinci, was killed in the war against Russian invaders, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said in his address.
"Today, Da Vinci, a hero of Ukraine, a volunteer, a symbol, a man of courage, Dmytro Kotsyubaylo, was killed in action. A fighter of the 67th Separate Mechanized Brigade, a battalion commander. He died in the battle near Bakhmut, in the battle for Ukraine. Since 2014, he has been defending our independence and the dignity of our people. One of the youngest heroes of Ukraine. One of those whose personal history, character, and courage have forever become the history, character, and courage of Ukraine," Zelenskyy said.
Kotsyubaylo was 27 years old. The junior lieutenant led a separate mechanized battalion, the Da Vinci Wolves, as part of the 67th Separate Mechanized Brigade.
In 2014, Da Vinci was heavily wounded by a tank shell in Pisky, Donetsk Region. After recovering, he returned to the front after three months of rehabilitation, where he continued to defend Ukraine's sovereignty.
On 30 November 2021, President Zelenskyy awarded Kotsyubaylo the title of Hero of Ukraine.