After a retired captain of Ukraine’s national team was killed in battle, the entire rugby community showed its support and solidarity.
Oleksii Tsibko, 55, was killed in a firefight with Russian forces near Bucharest.
We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones. He is going to be dearly missed.
Let us reflect on his life and the impact he made on his country as a rugby player as we commemorate him on his tragic passing.
RIP: Former Ukrainian Rugby Captain Oleksii Tsibko Died Defending His Country
Oleksii Tsibko, 55, was killed in a firefight with Russian soldiers near Bucha on March 31, but his death was only confirmed this week.
Rugby lovers from all across the world, including Tory MP for Montgomeryshire Craig Williams, paid their respects.
He tweeted: Rugby brings us all together, which only adds to the sadness of this news and this tragic chapter in history.
“It demonstrates Oleksi Tsibko’s deep admiration for defending freedom and paying the ultimate price for his friends, neighbors, and country.”
As Putin’s forces withdraw from the west of the country to focus on the east and south, Bucha, a commuter town on the outskirts of Kiev, has become a focal point for atrocities against civilians.
Brutal photographs of bodies littering the streets and mass graves continue to emerge, along with evidence of torture and rape of the victims.
Oleksii died in an unknown manner, although his death was confirmed by Valeria Bandurko, chair of the Cherkasy regional state administration, on her Facebook page.
Oleksii Tsibko Details- Who Was He?
After serving as president of the Ukrainian Rugby Federation from 2003 to 2005, Oleksii Tsibko went on to serve as mayor of Smela from 2015 to 2018. Today, a farewell service will be held in his honor at Kyiv’s Baykove cemetery.
Oleksii’s death was also disclosed by Octavian Morariu, a former Romanian player and coach who is now the President of Rugby Europe. He expressed his hope that the news would not be confirmed.
Losing such talent is a huge loss to Ukraine. He died bravely, though, and we hope that his soul will rest in peace.
Oleksii Tsibko Family Details
Oleksii Tsibko’s family details are not covered on the internet. Thus we are unable to fetch the information about them.
Furthermore, there is no information on whether or not the former rugby player was married. In addition, there are no facts about whether or if he had children.
His family, on the other hand, must be in excruciating pain following his death. Nonetheless, we are confident that they must be extremely proud of him because he died fighting for his nation and gave his life to ensure its safety.