Doing research on young people who died defending Ukrainian land is hard as each of them has so much to contribute to the future of Ukraine. I finished writing about Roman Ratushnyj and was preparing for morning Saturday class as more horrific news came from Ukraine. It is extra hard to write about my God’s Mother’s Grandson: Artemiy Dymyd, who will be forever 27. Artemko, as his Grandma, Babtsya Lesya, always called her oldest Grandson, sacrificed his life for the freedom of Ukraine. It happened early, June 18, 2022, in the Donetsk region. A russian artillery attack destroyed a hangar in which three soldiers were performing a military mission. One of them received injuries incompatible with life. It was Artemiy.

Artemiy Dymyd, great-grandson of historian Ivan Krypyakevych. Son of Fr. Mykhailo Dymyd and Ivanka Dymyd-Krypyakevych. Artemko, was an avid member of the Plast from the age of 7. There was no sport which Artemko did not try himself. He and adrenaline were inseparable words. He was fearless; his fear gene was absent. His life was a continuous adventure. He was fond of military training, parachuting, and travelling. He visited more than 50 countries.  Artem is a graduate of historical sciences at the Ukrainian Catholic University. He witnessed the events of February 20, 2014, on Institutska Street. In the spring of the same year, at the beginning of the occupation of Crimea, he went to the peninsula to strengthen pro-Ukrainian forces. After the start of hostilities in eastern Ukraine, he volunteered for AZOV. He took part in the fighting in the area of ​​Shyroke. He was later transferred to a special unit, “Harpoon.” He called PTSD post-traumatic stress development. He worked, had fun, always supported others, and was open to conversation. He even rode a motorcycle to Iraq.

He was in the United States on February 24, 2022, but left for Ukraine immediately after the invasion began. He bought a bulletproof vest and helmet in the US and put on his armour so as not to pay for extra luggage. He told the surprised flight attendant that he was from Ukraine and that he was safer with a bulletproof vest on him. At home, he collected the rest of the equipment from the time of the anti-terrorist operation, took the oath and immediately went to the front.

There are not enough words to speak and share emotions about someone you have known for two decades, thanks to stories of his Grandma  (Babtsya Lesya) and Mama (Ivanka). Artemko is bright, active, smart, patriotic and persistent. Free. Fearless. Courageous. For him, the world was big and open, and there were no obstacles …I will carry Artemko’s memories in my heart. It is very hard to accept another death of Ukraine’s future, but it is important to keep doing Artemko’s work by practicing values of social justice and service to humanity.

Eternal Memory Artemko, Pray for Ukraine from heaven.  Thinking of all Krypyakevytch-Dymyd family.

Glory to the Hero!

Artemko’s Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/kypka0/

Artemko’s interview: З ПЛАСТУ НА ВІЙНУ | Артем Димид | ПТСР #5  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgCBBxUj25A

My favourite song from Didula-Dymyd Sauerkraut making process Капусняк з Димидів та Дідул https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyicCOhL8GE