Dmytro «Kant»* Yevdokymov
*Callsign «Kant» refers to the philosopher Immanuel Kant, reflecting Dmytro’s intellectual nature and his search for the foundations of freedom
Dmytro Volodymyrovych Yevdokymov was born on October 4, 1998, in Trostianets, Sumy region. He studied at a boarding gymnasium in Sumy, graduating with honors.
«He practiced ballroom dancing back in school. He used to say that one should be a little ‘selfish’ in the right way: investing energy and knowledge in oneself so that later you could be useful to Ukraine. He could read a book in a day or two and then give it to one of his classmates as a gift», recalled his friend Volodymyr.
In 2016, Dmytro enrolled at the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv in the «American Studies and European Studies» program in the major «History and Archaeology».
«He chose History by the call of his will — who else in the decade of lawyers and IT specialists would choose a classical education? He believed in himself, his choices, and the people around him. Dmytro was hungry for knowledge; what the professors gave him was never enough, he always asked for more… He combed through mountains of scientific literature on the topics we discussed in practical classes. He found it himself and offered an original critical perspective, while always maintaining deep respect for the authors. During our heated discussions, he sought historical experiences of other nations that could be beneficial for Ukraine. He lived with thoughts of his country… and it was for her Freedom that he went to fight!», – Nataliya Shevchenko, Associate Professor, Department of Modern and Contemporary History of Foreign Countries, Faculty of History, KNU.
However, the routine of university life soon felt too small for him. He decided to take an academic leave to study at the Ukrainian Leadership Academy in Kharkiv during 2018-2019.
«Dima was a special person. Intelligent, interesting, pragmatic, and romantic at the same time. He could find a common language with anyone. Regardless of the circumstances, he always smiled sincerely and appreciated what he had», – say his peers at the ULA.
Dmytro described himself as a «rebel» and a «pilgrim».
«Imagine: while others in the dormitory are thinking about where to grab a beer, Dima is thinking about how to travel through deserts. Africa or Asia were too expensive for a student, so he set off for the Oleshky Sands (the Ukrainian desert). Later, he hitchhiked across Turkey. For Dima, travels had to be real — getting caught in a sandstorm, climbing every mountain».
Immediately after the ULA program, Dmytro completed his mandatory military service in Zhytomyr at the 199th Training Center of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces, later joining the 95th Separate Air Assault Brigade, where he qualified as a sniper. He considered military service a primary constitutional duty; he felt he couldn’t honestly say «I love Ukraine» without fulfilling it.
During his service, he came across the book Conversations with Kakha Bendukidze. The idea of liberty became one of the pillars of Dmytro’s philosophy. Seeking a community of free people, he joined Ukrainian Students for Freedom in the summer of 2021. In February 2022, he participated in the Winter Hike through Bukovyna with other USF members.
Dmytro was also the co-author of the book «Про права і обов’язки. Твій довідник із громадянства» (On Rights and Duties: Your Handbook on Citizenship), about the importance of respecting the rights of others and how to protect one’s own.
On February 24, 2022, Dmytro went to defend Ukraine. He became a sniper squad leader in a unit of the 95th Separate Air Assault Brigade. He carried out combat missions in the Tavria, Slobozhanshchyna, Eastern, and Northern directions.
His girlfriend, Kateryna, shared his story with the Spec-kor.com.ua publication: «I listened to his stories with great pleasure — about sniper school training, parachute jumps, and his army friends with whom he stayed close… Once, shortly before February 16, we discussed the threat of open russian aggression. I knew Dima would go to fight, and I supported him. That evening, we drew parallels with 2014. At one point, Dima took my hand firmly and, looking into my eyes calmly and seriously, said words I will never forget: ‘Give me your word that if I am gone, you will do everything for two. You will live for two, fight for two, and act for two. Do not despair — be strong».
On March 29, 2022, Dmytro fell in battle while performing a mission in the Izium district, Kharkiv region. He was buried in his hometown of Trostianets on April 2, 2022. He was 23 years old. In May, he was posthumously awarded the Order “For Courage,” 3rd Class.
«I love people very much, especially my friends, and therefore I can sacrifice a lot for them», — Dmytro Yevdokymov.