“MALYI”

Senior Soldier Danylo Namys, callsign “Malyi,” will remain forever in the hearts of his family, brothers-in-arms, and everyone who had the honor of knowing him. On September 7, 2023, he was killed in battle with Russian occupiers near the settlement of Keramik in Donetsk Oblast. At the cost of his own life, he covered his brothers-in-arms, showing courage and self-sacrifice to which generations bow. A month earlier, on August 4, he had turned only 19. Danylo was born in the city of Horodnia, Chernihiv Oblast. In 2021, he graduated from Horodnia Lyceum No. 1, completing his full general secondary education. That same year, he enrolled in the Chernihiv Vocational Lyceum of Railway Transport. From childhood, Danylo was active, kind, open, and sincere. He was drawn to sports, friendship, and team spirit—he loved football and volleyball, had many friends, and was always the life of the party. Everyone who knew him personally recalls that it felt warm, safe, and easy to be around him. From the very beginning of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Danylo wanted to join the defense of Ukraine, but at the time he was only 17. He repeatedly said he could not stand aside when the country was in danger. When he turned 18 in August that same year, Danylo seriously considered becoming a border guard, but ultimately made his choice. In April 2023, he signed a contract with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, becoming a soldier of the 1st Separate Tank Siversk Brigade. He served as a senior gunner of an anti-tank platoon. Although he was the youngest among many of his brothers-in-arms, Danylo proved himself a true warrior—disciplined, strong-willed, and responsible. Despite his young age, he stood out for his bravery, courage, and unbreakable character. His comrades say he did not look for easy paths—he always went first and always offered a helping hand. His beloved Viktoriia remembers Danylo as the best—loyal, kind, and brave—a young man with big plans for life. He sincerely dreamed of a happy future in a free Ukraine and wanted to start a family. “He was a kind and bright person with big plans for the future,” Viktoriia says. His friend Maksym noted: “Danya was a person with a big, open heart, a brave defender and a patriot of Ukraine. For many who knew him personally, he was an example of resilience and strength of spirit. He wanted his family, loved ones, friends, and acquaintances to live in a beautiful, democratic, free, and peaceful Ukraine. For his parents, he will forever remain the best son on earth, and for his friends—a loyal companion.” His mother’s words are filled with love and pain: “My son was very fair, kind, and sincere. He always helped others and never passed by someone else’s trouble. He had a big heart, was friendly and brave. We are endlessly proud of him and will never forget his smile, his gaze, his strength of spirit.” His sister and father recall that Danylo was a support for the whole family. He always carried himself with dignity, had a keen sense of justice, and knew how to support others in the hardest moments. He became their hero long before the front—simply for who he was. The Hero was laid to rest at the “Pisky” cemetery in his native Horodnia. He was accompanied on his final journey with deep respect, tears, flowers, and words of gratitude. Danylo is survived by his parents, sister, beloved, relatives, friends, and brothers-in-arms, who will remember him always—as a son of Ukraine who gave his life for its freedom. He was real. Kind, fair, and friendly. He had a big heart, a strong spirit, and a sincere soul. This is how he will remain in everyone’s memory. Heroes die… But they remain alive in our hearts, in memories, and in the grateful remembrance of the people. And as long as we remember, they are near.