A former physical training coach for the Kyiv basketball teams “Kyiv-Basket” and “Budivelnyk,” as well as for Ukraine’s youth national teams, Dmytro Markhovskyi lost his life in the war against Russian invaders.
Dmytro’s life was cut short in January 2024, but he had been missing for a while, and there was some hope that he had survived and was taken captive. Sadly, by the end of August that same year, the devastating news was confirmed: the hero had died in battle near the village of Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia. He was only 30 years old.
Born and raised in Kyiv, Dmytro had been passionate about basketball since his teenage years, playing the sport and later professionally coaching basketball players. In the summer of 2023, he worked with Ukraine’s women’s teams at continental competitions, but by the end of September, he had enlisted in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. On the front lines, Dmytro served as a combat medic, saving the lives of his comrades. According to witnesses of the battle at Robotyne, his last words were: “I’m fine, I can continue providing aid!”
Dmytro’s father, Oleh Markhovskyi, shared his grief with heartfelt words: “Son, you lived your life with dignity. Now, you are my heavenly protector! I mourn, I grieve, and I am proud of you at the same time. Eternal memory to you – Son, Soldier, Coach!”