Danylo Stavytskyi (Kotyk)
Sergeant, fighter of a joint Ministry of Internal Affairs unit.
Author of the short story “The Village” in the collection “Voices of Defenders, Vol. 1”, where he describes a destroyed village, a concussion, a mine that miraculously did not detonate, and a second chance at life.
I absolutely love cats — even my call sign reflects it. When I got a new “Fastiv” helmet, the first thing I did was order cat ears for it, to fully match the persona.
Military path
Danylo is 22 years old. He was born in the city of Tokmak, Zaporizhzhia region, and currently lives in Ternopil.
He graduated from the Multiprofile Center for Vocational Education in Tokmak with a specialty as an electrician. At 18, immediately after finishing his studies, he voluntarily joined the conscript service.
With the start of the full-scale war in February 2022, he voluntarily signed a contract and served until May 2024. He took part in battles on the Bakhmut front.
On the front line, he sustained severe injuries: two serious concussions, two moderate concussions, shrapnel wounds, a spinal injury, and partial loss of vision and hearing.
Among the stories he recalls with a smile:
This was both the funniest and the scariest incident. One night, while on watch at the position, I heard an unusual noise from the enemy’s side. I alerted everyone on the position, and we prepared for an attack. It turned out to be just a regular dog, which had been raiding our rations the whole time.
Civilian life
Danylo has been writing poetry since childhood. He created his first poem at the age of nine, and although the text was lost, he still remembers its meaning and plans to recreate it. Poetry became a way for him to express inner experiences that would otherwise remain unspoken.
He published a limited collection titled “Alone with Myself.” He actively participates in veteran and writers’ forums, volunteers, and also serves in the “On the Shield” mission. In addition, he studies psychotherapy, aiming to help other veterans.
How he began writing:
I began writing in childhood. I wrote my first poem at the age of nine, but it was lost, although I still remember its general meaning and plan to recreate it someday.
The reason might seem simple.
I just wanted to talk to someone about my inner problems, but since “children don’t have problems,” I started pouring everything onto paper. Over time, this grew into something more than just an attempt to calm myself.
Favorite books, music, and films:
I don’t have a favorite book, and to be honest, I haven’t read a single one in my life.
I’m not drawn to reading, yet I write a lot.
When it comes to music, I’m a music lover. I listen to everything from A to Z.
Overall, I don’t have specific preferences. In every work — whether a song, a poem, or a series — I look for inspiration and meaningful moments for myself.
We will win only thanks to our children.
This war has not truly been going on since 2022, nor even since 2014.
This war has lasted for many centuries, and only our children — the next generation — have a chance to set things right.
And our children are our responsibility.