Ukrainian Village Mourns Its Leader, Killed While Rushing to Help
Community leader Taras Didych was killed in a Russian strike while rushing to help residents. He was laid to rest on Monday.
The Dmytrivka community in Ukraine's Kyiv region held a funeral on Monday for its long-serving head, Taras Didych, who was killed in a Russian attack on Friday. Didych died after rushing to the nearby village of Myla to offer assistance, where he was caught in an explosion at a site storing ammunition.
The Friday night strike triggered massive blasts and fires that swept through dozens of homes in Myla. Ukrainian officials reported 38 people killed and 52 injured in what has been described as the deadliest attack of the year in the war.
Mourners remembered Didych as a dedicated and selfless leader. Antonina Otryshko, a resident of Myla, said she was not surprised he went to help despite the explosions. "He was a man who was ready to help with anything," she said.
Khrystyna Sidakova, deputy head of the community, said, "The community has lost its heart. It has not only lost the head of the community, but also a very clever, creative person who always loved learning more."
A friend, Hryhorii Rozum, said Didych would be honoured as a hero of Ukraine for his actions. "He died while carrying out his duties and saving lives," Rozum said.
Didych had led the Dmytrivka community for more than 30 years. Myla, which is an administrative part of the Dmytrivka community, lies just two kilometres from Dmytrivka village.