Maksym Galinichev, a 22-year-old boxer from Ukraine with a promising future, laid down his life on the frontlines fighting against the Russian military back in early March.
Galinichev, a 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games silver medallist, enlisted himself into the Ukrainian defense forces, like many other boxers from the country, against the invasion by Russian forces back in February 2022.
The untimely demise of the 22-year-old was announced by Ukraine’s Minister of Internal Affairs advisor Anton Gerashchenko on Twitter.
“Maksym Galinichev, 22, European youth boxing champion, died defending Ukraine in Luhansk region. Maksym enlisted as a volunteer and came back to the frontlines twice after being wounded and recovering. Eternal memory to Hero,” tweeted Gerashchenko, along with a photo of Galinichev in military attire, surrounded by supplies.
Maksym Galinichev, 22, European youth boxing champion, died defending Ukraine in Luhansk region.
Maksym enlisted as a volunteer and came back to the frontlines twice after being wounded and recovering.
Eternal memory to Hero. pic.twitter.com/icqrBAEiqo
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) March 24, 2023
Maksym Galinichev turned down European Championships to fight for Ukraine
A 2017 European Youth Championships gold medallist, Galinichev gained international fame after winning silver at the Youth Olympics in 2018. However, he turned down participation at the European Championships and instead, enlisted himself in the Ukrainian military’s airborne assault troops last year.
According to reports, Galinichev lost his life in the Luhansk region of Ukraine and is survived by his little daughter, Vasilisa, who just turned three back in February. He has been honoured with “The Hero of Ukraine”, the country’s highest honour.
Since Galinichev’s death made headlines, many have come forward to tribute the young boxer for his sacrifice.
“Everyone at GB Boxing is saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Ukraine’s 22-year-old European Youth champion Maksym Galinichev.Our thoughts and prayers go out to Maksym’s friends and family at this devastating time,” Team GB Boxing posted.
Everyone at GB Boxing is saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Ukraine's 22-year-old European Youth champion Maksym Galinichev, whilst serving for his country in the Luhansk region.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Maksym's friends and family at this devastating time.🌹🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/hTFAKGgATT
— GB Boxing (@gbboxing) March 27, 2023
“Glory to Hero,” wrote his fellow Olympian Vladyslav Heraskevych.
On March 10, silver medalist of the 2018 Youth Olympics Maksym Galinichev laid down his life for independent Ukraine🕯️
In the spring of 2022, Maksym refused to participate in the European Boxing Championship and volunteered for the airborne assault troops.
Glory to Hero 😪 pic.twitter.com/xQQszWa0tG
— Vladyslav Heraskevych OLY (@heraskevych) March 22, 2023
In an interview with the Ukrainian Boxing Federation a couple of months before the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, Galinichev stated that he pursued a career in sport as a means to support his family.
“It is the desire to provide a future for my children, and to make my family proud of me,” said Galinichev at the time.
