In deep sorrow and with hero’s honors, the community in Sarata bid farewell to Danylo Serhiiovych Zolotar—a young life sacrificed for the freedom of Ukraine. A native of Donetsk but connected to Bulgaria through his home in the village of Kulevcha, he returned on a shield, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of his loved ones and neighbors. The news of his passing was announced by the press service of the local municipality.
Danylo was born on July 24, 2000, in the city of Donetsk. However, he spent a large part of his life in Kulevcha—one of the villages that is part of the large and centuries-old Bulgarian diaspora in Ukraine. In these lands, known as Bessarabian Bulgaria, thousands of ethnic Bulgarians have preserved their culture, language, and traditions, passing them down from generation to generation. Communities like the one in Kulevcha are an example of the strength of the Bulgarian spirit beyond the borders of their homeland.
Danylo Zolotar Joins the Armed Forces of Ukraine
In 2024, at a critical moment for the future of the country, Danylo Zolotar made the conscious and extremely courageous decision to voluntarily join the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He was driven by a deep sense of duty and patriotism, determined to stand against aggression and defend his homeland. His service was short but filled with heroism. The young man met his death while on a combat mission during the heavy fighting in the Kharkiv sector, where some of the fiercest battles are taking place.
The local community shares with pain that Danylo was "a man of honor, with a bright heart and a great soul". They speak of his dreams, which the war brutally interrupted—for "a peaceful future where his large family would gather by the lake, rest together, and play with the children and dogs". He believed in good and justice, and he himself was a symbol of them. "He himself was such—an example of love for Ukraine and loyalty to his loved ones", the municipality added, emphasizing his self-sacrifice and moral qualities.
The farewell to Danylo Zolotar took place today, August 17, in his native village. Sarata and the surrounding villages, including Kulevcha, are part of the historical region known as Bessarabia, where thousands of Bulgarians settled centuries ago, keeping their identity alive. With his death, they mourn not only a young life but also another victim given in defense of fundamental human values and international law.
This tragic case once again reminds us of the heavy price that innocent people pay in the conflict that continues to tear Ukraine apart. Danylo Zolotar is just one of the thousands of young men who take up arms to defend their homeland from aggression, demonstrating an unbreakable spirit and readiness for self-sacrifice.
- Glory to the heroes!