At the age of 20, with a whole life ahead of him, he went to the frontlines to defend Ukraine and its future. In April 2023, the heart of the fearless Ukrainian warrior Daniil Kondel stopped beating.
He was born on May 25, 2001, in Kyiv. From a young age, he was passionate about sports, beginning his training at the capital’s judo and sambo sports club “Triumph.Kyiv.” This hobby played a crucial role in his choice of higher education. In the summer of 2022, Daniil graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the National University of Physical Education and Sport of Ukraine. Like any young person, his life should have been filled with new friendships, work, travel, love, family—everything but war. However, fate had other plans.
After the full-scale invasion, Daniil took up arms to defend Ukraine. He served as a member of the special forces unit “Honor.” Those who knew him recall his discipline and sense of responsibility. Even after long, grueling days on the frontlines, he still found time to help volunteers.
On April 2, 2023, while carrying out a combat mission near Bakhmut, 21-year-old Daniil Kondel, with the call sign “Viking,” was killed…