A literary evening in memory of Pavlo Dumanskyi — the youngest Lviv resident to be awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine — was held in Lviv. The event was timed to his birthday and dedicated to honouring the fallen defender through poetry and the spoken word.
The occasion brought together Pavlo’s family, his friends, comrades-in-arms, teachers, classmates and fellow students, as well as everyone who wished to pay tribute to the soldier. The literary gathering was moderated by writer and serviceman of the “Khartia” unit Serhiy Zhadan, who read his own poems about the war and spoke about the importance of living memory.
The defender’s mother, Mariia Dumanska, shared personal memories of her son and stressed that the memory of the fallen should encourage a responsible life and daily choices in favour of Ukraine. She called on parents to foster in their children a love for Ukrainian soil and respect for its defenders.
The literary evening took place in the square named after Pavlo Dumanskyi at the intersection of Pavla Dumanskoho and Panasa Myrnoho streets in Lviv. Participants read poetry and excerpts from works, and shared reflections on the war, memory, responsibility and the power of the word in times of trial.
Writer and serviceman of “Khartia” Serhiy Zhadan emphasised the significance of the space named in honour of the fallen soldier as a venue for cultural and educational events that sustain the living memory of the defenders.
Director of the Department of Education and Culture of the Lviv City Council, Andrii Zakaliuk, noted that Pavlo was a true Ukrainian and a true soldier, and that the large number of people who came to the event was a testament to the respect for his feat. Deputy Head for Educational Work of Lyceum No. 80 of the Lviv City Council, Lesia Vaskiv, recalled that Pavlo had volunteered for the front and, in her words, his heart “knew no fear”.
On Monday, 13 July, Pavlo Dumanskyi would have turned 23. Head of the City Department of Culture, Marta Beshlei, stressed that Lviv already has a street and a square named in his honour, and that such events help city residents remember the Heroes thanks to whom Ukraine is holding out in the war.
Pavlo Dumanskyi was born on 13 July 2003 in Lviv. He studied at Lyceum No. 80 of the Lviv City Council and later at the Separate Structural Subdivision “Automotive and Road Vocational College” of the Lviv Polytechnic National University. He was a multiple prize-winner in kyokushin karate competitions and a trainee of the Kanku sports club, and worked in the service sector.
With the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Pavlo helped to build defensive structures and checkpoints in Lviv. In March 2022, he volunteered to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine and served in the 125th Separate Territorial Defence Brigade. On 20 November 2022, Pavlo was killed in action while carrying out a combat mission, shielding his comrades with his own body. At that time, he was only 19 years old.
Pavlo Dumanskyi is the youngest Lviv resident to be a holder of the title of Hero of Ukraine. This title was awarded to him posthumously. He is survived by his parents, two sisters and a brother.
In 2023, one of the streets in Lviv was renamed in honour of Pavlo Dumanskyi — it replaced the former Professor Petra Buika Street. A memorial plaque has been installed on the facade of Lyceum No. 80, where the soldier studied.