According to coach Oleg Skirta, the 30-year-old was battling against invading Russian forces as part of Ukraine's Azov Battalion unit in Mariupol on Friday when he laid down his life defending his country.
Ukrainian kickboxing champion Maksym Kagal has been killed in combat while fighting alongside soldiers in the besieged city of Mariupol. According to coach Oleg Skirta, the 30-year-old was battling against invading Russian forces as part of Ukraine's Azov Battalion unit in Mariupol on Friday when he laid down his life defending his country.
"Unfortunately, the war takes the best. On 25 March, while defending the city of Mariupol as part of the Azov Separate Special Forces Unit, Maksym Kagal died," Skirta said in a statement on Facebook.
⚡️ Ukrainian kickboxing champion killed in combat while defending Mariupol.
Maksym Kagal, ISKA kickboxing champion, was killed in the battle for the besieged city Mariupol, his coach reported.
Describing Kagal, Skirta said that he was the first world kickboxing champion from the glorious city of Kremenchuk, the first world champion among adults in the Ukraine team, and an honest and decent person.
"Sleep well, brother, rest in peace to you; we will avenge you," Skirta added.
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Since the war broke out last month, many Ukrainian civilians have joined the armed forces to defend their country. Kagal, who had clinched the World Kickboxing Championship ISKA in 2020, also decided to take up arms and defend his country from Putin's forces.
According to Al Jazeera, the Azov Battalion is a far-right all-volunteer infantry unit whose members are largely ultra-nationalists.
Reports added that the Azov Battalion was formed in 2014 to fight against pro-Russian separatists in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk. Its success on the battlefield led to it being officially integrated into the National Guard of Ukraine on 12 November 2014, a few months after it helped recapture Mariupol from Russian-backed separatists.
Kagal's death in Mariupol comes as the city sees heavy fighting amid mounting casualties. Following this tragic news, several netizens took to Twitter to mourn the death of the kickboxer and also hailed him as a hero for laying down his life while fighting to defend his country. Here's a look at some of the reactions:
's world kickboxing champion Maksym Kagal died defending . He was 30 and chose to defend hie country over the sport career.
Glory to Ukrainian Heroes pic.twitter.com/N1kzdhreeq
Ukrainian world champion kick boxer Maksym Kagal killed fighting for his country and for his people. I don't see why thinks more of his world title, than he does for the Ukrainian people. I think it speaks volumes during a time of War he's going to go defend his title. pic.twitter.com/73YMlI0pBj
— Matt (@Matt86411566)So sad to hear that Maksym Kagal, ISKA kickboxing champion has been killed defending his country. He may have lost this battle, but in the end will have won the war for his beloved Ukraine. He is a hero. May his memory be a blessing. Glory to Ukraine.🇺🇦
— 🇺🇦Slava Ukraini!🇺🇦 (@VouVon)RIP ...this madness by has to stop! 🤬 https://t.co/xunIIF1qmG
— moveebuff (@moveebuff1953): Maksym Kagal, a world kickboxing champion, was killed on 25 March by the Russians in Mariupol. Kagal had been fighting for a separate unit of the Azov Battalion. The announcement of his death was made last night by his coach, Oleg Skirt. pic.twitter.com/MVBvFYxCx9
— Kyle Orton (@KyleWOrton)Not good Martial Arts news. RIP Maksym Kagal, brave soldier ⚡️ Ukrainian kickboxing champion killed in combat while defending Mariupol. https://t.co/QDrVKk3Hls
— Tim Butt @ Zing-Zang.com (@ZingZangTim)My heart goes out to Maksym Kagal, his family, and Ukraine. He is a hero.
— Chris Ferry🗽🌻 Solidarity with Ukraine #ONEV1 (@LiberateAllOfUs)In war, your love for your country must be stronger than your hate for the enemy this way you will make the impossible possible. Rest in Peace Maksym Kagal.
— Jonas Tomaz de Aquin (@JonasAquin)Remembering and honoring the service and sacrifice of Maksym Kagal, champion for . RIP, Sir, your mission is done. https://t.co/vLqAgxxQgR
— Annapolis57 (@Annapolis57)RIP Ukrainian Hero Maksym Kagal. https://t.co/Lpjx6PAdGf
— Mary Kay (@MKay54)Maksym Kagal, ISKA kickboxing champion's death is a loss to his family, friends, & his countrymen. His death is also a loss to our world. Many blessings and miracles to all in honor of Maksym Kagal. May the journey before him be filled with Joy and Peace. https://t.co/OdT7iC2fpa
— Oksana Yonan (@1Truthkeeper)⚡️🇺🇦😢 During the battles for Mariupol, world kickboxing champion Maksym Kagal died!😥
💙💛He served in the special forces detachment "Azov". May your sour rest in peace!🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/b9aCWAKQu3
Also read: Amid Ukraine conflict, UN chief initiates humanitarian ceasefire efforts
UN officials said on Friday that there is evidence of mass graves in the besieged city of Mariupol. Matilda Bogner, head of a UN human rights team currently in the country, said, "We have got increasing information on mass graves that are there."
"The extent of civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian objects strongly suggests that the principles of distinction, of proportionality, the rule on feasible precautions and the prohibition of indiscriminate attacks have been violated," Bogner added.
Mariupol is widely seen as a strategic prize for the Russian invaders to create a bridge between Crimea, annexed by Moscow in 2014, and two separatist enclaves in eastern Ukraine.