Soldier Dmytro Hai, call sign “Daf,” was killed on November 29, 2022, near Makiivka. He sustained a fatal gunshot wound while carrying out a combat mission. Two months earlier, on September 23, he had turned 39.
Dmytro was born in Dobropillia, where he completed his secondary education at School No. 7. In civilian life, he worked at a coal mine, but after sustaining two leg injuries, he had to leave and later took on construction jobs. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with his daughter and friends. He loved animals, often feeding stray dogs and cats, and had a small dog of his own.
When the full-scale war began, he voluntarily joined the defenders. He enlisted in the 105th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and went to the front line.
“I can only say the warmest words about my father. Thanks to him, I know what unconditional love for a loved one is. All his friends knew him as a loving father, a very sincere and always smiling person. Even in difficult situations, he would smile and say: ‘We will sort everything out—just don’t lose heart.’ A smile through all the hardships and pain he endured in his life, yet he never gave up. From the very beginning of the full-scale invasion, he made it clear he would not stand aside and, without telling anyone, went to volunteer. Despite all the pleas not to go, he said: ‘I must!’ Above all, he wanted his family and friends to live under a peaceful sky, so I truly hope he will be remembered in gratitude,” his daughter Yuliia Hai shared.
He was posthumously awarded the Order “For Courage,” 3rd class.
Dmytro was laid to rest at the local cemetery in Dobropillia.
He is survived by his daughter and brother.
At 9:00 a.m. — a nationwide minute of silence. Donetsk Regional Military Administration and the Memorial platform honor fallen defenders of Donetsk region.