A memorial service was held in Vilnius to honor Tadas Tumas, the first Lithuanian soldier killed in Ukraine, as a monument was consecrated in his memory.
In Vilnius, Lithuania, a memorial service was held at St. Ignatius Church to honor Tadas Tumas, a Lithuanian volunteer who lost his life in the conflict in Ukraine. Following the service, a monument dedicated to him was consecrated at the Antakalnis Cemetery. Tumas, known by his nickname 'Milžinas', was reported to have died on February 23, 2024, when his vehicle was struck by a Russian drone while transporting munitions to the front lines near Bakhmut.
The Lithuanian Army had initially postponed the burial of Tumas's remains due to adverse weather conditions, but it is expected that a decision will soon be made by his family regarding the interment as the weather improves. His death marks a significant moment in Lithuania’s involvement in the Ukrainian conflict, as he is recognized as the first Lithuanian soldier to have lost his life in the fight against Russian aggression, symbolizing the deep connections between the two nations in their struggle for sovereignty.
In honor of Tumas’s sacrifice, streets in both Vilnius and Bucha have been named after him, highlighting the profound impact of his commitment to defending Ukraine. The memorial not only commemorates Tumas's bravery but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing conflicts in the region and the personal sacrifices made by individuals in the pursuit of freedom and justice,
