aiThis story is about a young man with the call sign "Surfer" who, at the age of 19, became the embodiment of courage, determination, and love for Ukraine.

ai"Surfer" got his call sign because of his passion. When he was only six years old, he traveled to Indonesia with his mother. There, among the ocean waves, Danylo got hooked. At the age of 12, he began to participate in competitions. And, whenever he could, he went snowboarding, skateboarding, wakeboarding... too.

aiAt first, Danylo tried to attend military university on the advice of his father who was a military officer himself. "Go to the University of the Security Service of Ukraine if you are so eager," his dad said. But the hand of fate changed his course. The young man, then a student in Lithuania, learned his uncle had disappeared near Bakhmut. This was a turning point.

aiDanylo's uncle had been out of contact for about two weeks and thought dead. Then, for the first time in his life, he sat down and pleaded: "God, please at least do something to keep my uncle alive and get in touch. I will do anything: I will go back to Ukraine and start defending the country side by side with him."

aiLater, his uncle did contact him, and this cemented his decision. When Danylo finally returned to Ukraine from his studies abroad, he told his father he was coming home for the holidays. His father met him at the train station in Kyiv, but when he saw Danylo with suitcases and boxes, he immediately realized his son had other plans.

aiBecause Danylo was under 18, he could not officially join the army. But that did not stop him. He wrote emails to various brigades, offering his help just to join the fight. "I didn't care what I had to do," he said later, "just give me food and a uniform and I'll go fight."

ai"Surfer" knows the price of war: he has felt the pain of serious injury and the pain of loss.
ai"I have lost many comrades in the war, both younger and older. For me, this is an indicator of the strength of our nation. I was with them in their last moments and saw that there was not a drop of doubt in their eyes. They were not afraid to face the enemy. I think we should remember them because they are true heroes who gave their lives."

aiDanylo believes that the younger generation will change the Ukrainian army. His peers are motivated, ready to fight, study, and help. He admires the examples of young people who raise money for the army and support it in any way they can. At the same time, he is convinced that age is just a number and everyone can find their place in this war.

aiFor Danylo, the third assault brigade has become a place where like-minded young men with strong resolve have come together. "We understand each other at a glance because we are all motivated, we all have similar stories, and we're all equally eager to rush into battle and destroy the enemy," he says.

aiDanylo is confident that the younger generation will bring new achievements to the Ukrainian army. He is convinced that the future of military affairs is about brotherhood, mutual respect, and a spirit of equality, not the hierarchical traditions of the past.

aiThe story of "Surfer" is not just about a young warrior who chose the path of struggle. It is about a whole generation of Ukrainians who are not afraid to change established norms, take risks for freedom, and inspire others.

aiThe story you just read once again highlights how the war has transformed the lives of young Ukrainians. Instead of carefree youth, they choose to fight for the future of their country.

aiAfter watching Danylo’s interview, I became convinced that the stories of these young men and women must be shared with the world. Despite the immense challenges that leave lasting marks on their health and emotional resilience, they remain passionate and steadfast. Their courage gives us hope for a future where freedom and peace become the most treasured achievements of our nation.