Three years since brutal murder of Horlivka City Council member Rybak

Ukraine marks three years since assassination of national hero, patriot of the Donbas, Horlivka City Council member Volodymyr Rybak.

Former member of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine of VII and VIII convocations Yehor Firsov wrote on Facebook, Censor.NET reports.

"... I remember enhancing damaged barricade next to the Lobanovskyi monument with Oleksii Mitasov on Feb. 21, 2014. Volodymyr Rybak and Oleksandr Yaroshenko gave us a helping hand when we were taking some huge and heavy item to the barricade. We met right in the middle of Europeiska Ploshcha. I knew that Volodymyr was on the Maidan, but still did not expect to see him and was very happy about it. We had a short talk and resumed working.

"I guess I have not seen him ever since. I was once again reminded of Volodymyr only when I learned that he was abducted by the separatists. He defended the Ukrainian flag which they wanted to remove from the Horlivka City Council building. He paid with his life for his actions.

"Volodymyr Rybak showed courage, bravery, and heroism precisely when his lesser and greater homelands needed him most.

"Glory to the heroes! Volodymyr Rybak, Mykola Berezovyi, Yurii Matushchak and all the patriots who gave their lives for Ukraine.

"Heroes never die!" the former lawmaker wrote.

Horlivka deputy Volodymyr Rybak was brutally murdered on the order of terrorist Igor Bezler by Russian mercenaries from Girkin's gang. On April 17, 2014, Rybak took active part in the rally for a United Ukraine in front of the Horlivka City Council, where he tried to hoist a Ukrainian flag. On the same day, he was kidnapped by the Russian mercenaries from Girkin's gang. His body with signs of torture was found on April 19.