21-year-old Junior Sergeant Dmytro Minailov, call sign “Rave,” died on July 26, 2023, on the operating table after his heart stopped.
During an assault near Urozhaine, he was first wounded by shrapnel in the arm but remained with his unit on the battlefield to complete the mission. Later, he sustained a second, critical gunshot wound to the chest — the bullet struck his aorta. Although he was evacuated, doctors were unable to save his life.
Dmytro was born in Kostiantynivka, where he completed his secondary education. He dreamed of military service and, upon reaching adulthood, signed a contract in 2020 with a marine unit of the Ukrainian Naval Infantry.
He served in the 503rd Separate Marine Battalion, carrying out combat missions in the Joint Forces Operation zone. Dedicated to constant self-improvement, he trained hard and refined his military skills. After the start of the full-scale invasion, he bravely defended Ukraine on the eastern front. In 2023, Dmytro became a platoon commander, leading his unit with courage and earning deep respect among his comrades despite his young age.
During his service, he was awarded the medal “For the Defense of Ukraine” and, posthumously, the Order “For Courage,” 3rd class.
“Rave was an intellectual, a cultured person, a great admirer of poetry and classical art. Very positive and always kind, a romantic with a deep inner world,” his friend Rodion recalled.
He was laid to rest in the village of Dovha Balka, near Kostiantynivka.
Dmytro is survived by his parents, relatives, friends, and brothers-in-arms.
At 9:00 a.m. — a nationwide minute of silence. Donetsk Regional Military Administration and the Memorial platform honor fallen defenders of Donetsk region.