Dmytro O. Babich (Velychar Zaporozhets)

Defender of Mariupol Dmytro Babich (call sign Velichar Zaporozhets) was killed in action on April 15, 2022, as a result of an enemy air strike on the Azovstal plant. The warrior was 41 years old. Dmytro was born and lived in Zaporizhzhia. He engaged in physical training, attended patriotic camps, and gathered around him local youth - conducting military training with them on Khortytsia Island. He headed the VGO "Patriot Ukraine" in the city. He actively participated in rallies and patriotic events. He was one of the organizers of pagan worship and holidays on Khortytsia Island. He was engaged in the implementation of wooden and metal products. He made pendants, symbols, and amulets based on archaeological finds. According to friends, Dmytro had been preparing for the war with Russia since 2005, training himself and others. He used Cossack practices for this. He actively participated in the Revolution of Dignity. In 2014, he volunteered for the war, joining the ranks of the Azov Regiment. In addition to military affairs, as a technical specialist, he was responsible for communication. "He rarely took military leave and when he did come, he would definitely attend all Ukrainian events in the city. If there was a pagan holiday, Velichar was among the organizers," recalls the friend of the deceased, Svitovit Pashnyk. Since 2014, Velichar had not returned to civilian life, considering the defense of the country his mission. On February 24, 2022, Dmytro was in Mariupol. Until his last breath, he lived as a warrior, dedicating his life to the fight for a free Ukraine. "He was an absolutely military man who was devoted to his cause. He lived for victory. He refused to go on leave and had almost no civilian clothes. He rarely opened up, never complained, and was afraid of nothing," says the commander Mol'far. Farewell to the warrior took place at the Kyiv Crematorium. The spiritual burial rite was held in Zaporizhzhia, on Khortytsia Island. Dmytro is survived by his parents, sister, and nephew. Posthumously, Staff Sergeant Dmytro Babich was awarded the Order "For Courage" III degree and the medal "For Military Service to Ukraine".