The executive committee of the Lviv City Council has endorsed a decision to install a commemorative stele in the square named after Hero of Ukraine Oleh Babii in Sykhiv and to further develop this public space.
According to the City Hall, the first stage of works in the square has already been completed: in particular, part of the pedestrian paths has been laid out. The next stage envisages the installation of the stele and the landscaping of the surrounding area in line with a design being prepared by a group of architects together with the Department of Architecture and Spatial Development.
First Deputy Mayor of Lviv Andriy Moskalenko recalled that last year the City Council session gave this square the name of Oleh Babii, as Sykhiv is a special district for him. A team of architects led by Mr Lesiuk is working on the memorial element, and all works are planned to be completed in stages over this year and next.
Executive Officer of the Lviv City Council’s executive committee, Yevhen Boyko, stressed the importance of such memorialisation in the urban space and noted that similar initiatives have already been implemented in Lviv. In particular, a square has been named after one of the youngest Heroes of Ukraine, Pavlo Dumanskyi, and a decision has also been taken on a square dedicated to Hero of Ukraine Ivan Voronych in the Shevchenkivskyi district, where artistic commemorative elements are also planned to be installed.
Earlier, a documentary film about Oleh Babii featuring his relatives and classmates was presented at one of Lviv’s schools. Once the memorial space in Sykhiv has been completed, the film is also expected to be shown in educational institutions located near the square.
Oleh Babii is a Ukrainian intelligence officer. In August 2023, as part of a reconnaissance group, he covered more than 600 km through enemy-held territory while carrying out a special combat mission to neutralise equipment used to shell Ukraine. On their way back to territory controlled by Ukraine, the group was ambushed and engaged in an uneven battle. Covering the retreat of his comrades-in-arms, 33-year-old Oleh Babii received a fatal wound and was killed. For his heroism, he was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine.