On a shield, Ukraine’s defender Liubomyr Koval, who was killed in Donetsk region, is returning to Novoyavorivsk. The community is preparing to accompany the warrior on his final journey and extends its condolences to his family.
Liubomyr Yevhenovych Koval was born on 18 February 1996 in the town of Novoyavorivsk. He studied at Novoyavorivsk Secondary School No. 1, where he proved himself to be a diligent and determined pupil.
He obtained his higher education at the Stepan Gzhytskyi Lviv National University of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnologies, qualifying as a biotechnologist. Later he gained a second degree in tourism and economics and for some time worked in his field in Poland.
Liubomyr was a talented and versatile person: he drew well, was interested in graffiti, and loved rap music. He was distinguished by his deep faith, good upbringing and respectful attitude towards people, regardless of their status or position.
With the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Liubomyr returned to Ukraine. In October 2025 he was mobilised into the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He took up arms to defend his country, carrying out combat missions as an unmanned aerial vehicle operator.
On 20 June 2026 the serviceman was killed in Donetsk region while withdrawing from combat positions. Just one day remained until the long-awaited leave at home. At home, his mother Liudmyla was waiting for her only son. In mourning for Liubomyr are his parents, grandmothers, grandfather and a large extended family.
A prayer gathering to meet the fallen defender will take place in Novoyavorivsk on 27 August at 13:00 near the monument to Ivan Mazepa.
The funeral service will begin at 13:30 in the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, after which the soldier will be buried at the local cemetery in Novoyavorivsk.