Senior Lieutenant Maksym Danylov
On March 16, 2022, Senior Lieutenant Maksym Danylov—known by his call sign Dania—was killed in Mariupol, Donetsk region. He was 42 years old. Born in Kramatorsk, Donetsk region, he earned a degree in engineering and economics from the local Institute of Economics and Humanities. Danylov first served with the Donbas volunteer battalion before signing a contract with the Azov battalion on April 30, 2015.
At the time of his death, Danylov was actively engaged in combat. On March 7 and 13, 2022, he called his mother, reassuring her that everything was fine and that they would win. On the day he died, he destroyed a Russian Tigr armored vehicle using an RPG-7. However, while attempting to break through a column of Russian military vehicles, he was fatally struck by shrapnel from a tank shell.
Legacy and Remembrance
Danylov is survived by his mother, Tetiana, and his goddaughter, Varvara. Tetiana said of her son:
“I am truly proud of my courageous, reliable, honest, and brave hero—a true warrior and defender of his homeland!”
His comrade, Stok, recalled: “Dania was an incredibly positive, open, sincere, and very pleasant person. He was devoted and loyal to his unit, his cause, and his ideals.” Stok also emphasized that Dania was an excellent company commander and “an amazing shot with the RPG.”
During his service, Maksym Danylov received numerous awards. These include:
- the Defender of Mariupol commemorative badge
- the Presidential award for participation in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO)
- the National Guard of Ukraine badge for Valiant Service
- the Ministry of Internal Affairs commendation for Firearms
- the Ministry of Internal Affairs badge for Courage in Service
- the Order for Courage, Third Class, awarded posthumously
Dania’s death was a profound loss for his family and fellow soldiers.
His four-legged companion, an American Staffordshire Terrier named Tit, now lives with friends in Kramatorsk. The memory of Senior Lieutenant Danylov lives on, as his bravery and professionalism left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
The death of Maksym Danylov stands as a powerful example of heroism among Ukrainian soldiers during the fighting in eastern Ukraine. His act of destroying Russian equipment and his courage under fire underscore the importance of personal dedication and professionalism on the battlefield. For context, the battle for Mariupol was one of the most intense and prolonged engagements of the war, with Ukrainian forces holding out against overwhelming odds. The memory of soldiers like Dania has become a vital part of national consciousness and the honoring of Ukraine’s defenders.
As the conflict continues to take a toll on brave soldiers, the recent passing of another Azov fighter, Danyil Kovalchuk, who tragically died from cardiac arrest at just 30 years old, highlights the immense pressures faced by these defenders. His story, like that of Senior Lieutenant Maksym Danylov, serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the name of freedom and valor.