DNA confirms death of former Dynamo Kyiv and Ukraine player Roman Maksymiuk
Former Dynamo Kyiv and Ukraine midfielder Roman Maksymiuk was killed on the Pokrovsk front. DNA testing confirmed his death after he had been missing for 20 months.
Image: bbc.com · Author: http://www.facebook.com/bbcnews · source articleEditorial excerpt for news reporting
DNA testing confirmed the death of former Dynamo Kyiv and Ukraine midfielder Roman Maksymiuk. Dynamo Kyiv reported the news on October 16.
The 50-year-old serviceman was killed while carrying out a combat mission on the Pokrovsk front in Donetsk region. Maksymiuk had been listed as missing for 20 months.
He last contacted his wife on January 30, 2025, saying he was heading to positions and might be unreachable for some time. His family said he disappeared while attempting to break out of an encirclement by Russian forces.
Maksymiuk’s military service
Maksymiuk joined Ukraine’s Armed Forces voluntarily in autumn 2022. He first served in a mobile fire group in Lutsk and was later transferred to the Kharkiv front.
He subsequently became a gunner with the 25th Separate Sicheslav Airborne Brigade. He received military commendations for his service and courage.
National team tribute
In June 2025, Ukraine’s national team honoured Maksymiuk before a friendly against Canada. The players posed for a team photograph with his military jacket and a jersey from Lutsk club Volyn.
Maksymiuk played for several Ukrainian clubs but was best known for his time at Dynamo Kyiv. He won the Ukrainian league and Ukrainian Cup with the club in the 1999/2000 season and made five appearances for Ukraine.
His wife, Vira Maksymiuk, announced the DNA findings. She asked people to remember him not only as a missing serviceman but as a husband, father, son and friend.
What we know
- DNA testing confirmed Roman Maksymiuk’s death after 20 months listed as missing.
- The serviceman was killed during a combat mission on the Pokrovsk front in Donetsk region.
- Maksymiuk last contacted his wife on January 30, 2025.
- He won the Ukrainian league and Cup with Dynamo Kyiv in the 1999/2000 season.
- He made five appearances for Ukraine.
Trust: Single source
- The story relies on one publisher. A second independent confirmation has not been established from the cited sources.
- Sources: BBC News Україна.
COMMUNITY
Discussion
Sign in to join the discussion.
Loading comments…