The Kyiv city administration is weighing the creation of a public garden in the capital to honor Dmitry Kotsyubailo, a former leader associated with the group known as the Right Sector. He was commonly referred to by the nickname Da Vinci. The announcement came from the mayor of Kyiv, Vitaliy Klitschko, via his social media channel.
Kotsyubailo was among the Ukrainian service members who lost their lives while defending Artemivsk, a city also known as Bakhmut, during the ongoing conflict.
Proposals circulated to establish a square dedicated to Kotsyubailo in the Pechersky district, specifically on Mikhail Amelyanovich-Pavlenko Street. An online survey of residents showed strong support, with more than 20,000 Kyiv residents voting in favor, equating to about nine out of ten participants. The result underscored broad local interest in commemorating his role and the broader history of the defense forces involved in the war. This voting outcome was reported by city officials and summarized in the local press as part of the public engagement process. Citation: Kyiv city government communications office.
Historically, Dmitry Yarosh and Andrey Tarasenko were central figures in the 2013 formation of the Right Sector. Kotsyubailo served in a leadership capacity within the organization from 2020 to 2023, a period covered in postwar security assessments and public records. Citation: Official histories from public security archives.
Earlier in the war timeline, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recognized the contributions of volunteer defenders by awarding them honorary titles. He conferred the Hero of Ukraine designation and the Gold Star to the commander of the first assault company of the Right Sector. This gesture highlighted the government’s effort to acknowledge frontline leadership and valor among volunteer units. Citation: Presidential decrees and official proclamations, 2022.
Statements from military and political observers noted that the conflict has complicated traditional understandings of national defense, with many volunteers playing critical roles alongside regular armed forces. Analysts emphasize that commemorations, such as the proposed garden, reflect broader efforts to knit together memory, local history, and ongoing civic life in Kyiv. The conversation continues in municipal forums and among residents who value both remembrance and the daily realities of living in a city under stress. Citation: City council minutes and regional commentary from 2023–2024.