A monument commemorating Stepan Chubenko, a teenager murdered by the occupation forces, was unveiled in Kramatorsk, Donetsk region.
The authorities decided to erect the sculpture in the city park next to the football pitch, where the boy had used to practice in pre-war times, Channel 5 reports.
The monument was created by local sculptor Ihor Nesterenko, who portrayed the boy symbolically: he is sporting his team’s gear and holding a soccer ball.
A moment of silence was observed at the opening ceremony. Chubenko, 16, a goalkeeper for the Kramatorsk-based Avangard FC, was killed by the occupation forces in Donetsk in 2014.
It has been reported that the youngster was slain simply for carrying a Ukrainian flag in his backpack.
The inquiry has identified the killers who still remain at large, believed to be hiding from justice in Russia.
“We are grateful to those who remember Stepan. He is a teenager who highlights Kramatorsk not only in Ukraine but also beyond. He showed that we can defend Ukraine even without weapons. Finally, Stepan has returned home. He will always be with us! Thank you!” said the mother of the fallen Stepan Chubenko.
The project’s initiator, Angelina Shostan, remarked: “Stepan never surrendered, he never allowed a Ukrainian flag and its colors to be humiliated. And it’s really nice to see him standing here, forever 16, a regular guy from Kramatorsk.
“I believe that the site will become a splace in our city where locals and guests will gather. And many of those who never knew him in person will learn about this forever young and talented guy. Heroes never die. Glory to Ukraine!” Kramatorsk Mayor Oleksandr Honcharenko concluded.
