Ukrainians mourn community leader Taras Didych killed in Myla strike

Ukrainian residents gathered in the town of Velykyi Bereznyi on Tuesday to mourn Taras Didych, a 28‑year‑old volunteer who was killed while rushing to help civilians after a Russian missile strike on the village. Didych was among the first responders to arrive at the scene, where a residential building had been hit, and he was struck by shrapnel while attempting to rescue trapped residents.

The strike, which occurred early that morning, left several injured and caused significant damage to the local infrastructure. Local authorities confirmed that Didych’s actions were in line with the community’s volunteer emergency response program, and his death has been described as a “tragic loss” by the mayor of Velykyi Bereznyi. A memorial service was held at the community center, where officials, family members, and neighbors paid tribute to his courage and dedication.

In the wake of the incident, the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs has urged residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity. The community’s collective grief underscores the ongoing risks faced by civilians and volunteers amid the conflict, while also highlighting the resilience and solidarity that persist in affected regions.