Chief Petty Officer of the 23rd Maritime Guard Detachment, call sign “Thai,” a warrior and an athlete. Dmytro Yuriev was killed on March 11, 2022, while carrying out a combat mission in his native Mariupol. He was 31.
He was born and raised in Mariupol, where he graduated from the local vocational metallurgical lyceum. In civilian life, Dmytro was deeply devoted to Muay Thai, achieving outstanding results—he became a champion of Ukraine and the world in his weight category. Sport instilled in him endurance, discipline, and the ability to withstand any blow. He dreamed of opening his own sports club and training children.
In 2018, Dmytro joined the Maritime Guard of the State Border Guard Service. He served aboard a vessel and planned to master the profession of a diver in the future.
With the onset of the full-scale invasion, he remained to defend his hometown. On March 2, 2022, he evacuated his wife and children to a safer place and then returned to duty. The last time his family heard from him was on March 8—his birthday.
On March 11, Dmytro’s unit engaged in battle with the invaders. Under enemy fire, the border guards held their positions. In that fight, he sustained wounds that proved fatal.
For a long time, Dmytro was considered missing in action. Only in September was his family informed of his death—he was identified by his wedding ring.
In life, he was a steadfast pillar for his family: at the age of 20, he became the guardian of his younger sister after their mother’s death; he supported his wife, raised two sons, and encouraged them to pursue sports.
Dmytro Yuriev was posthumously awarded the Order “For Courage,” III class. The Hero was laid to rest in Kyiv on December 6, 2022.
He is survived by his wife, two sons, and his sister. His story is the path of an athlete and a warrior who remained faithful to his homeland and his duty until the very end.
A deep bow of gratitude to the warrior.