Two students killed in Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia as they walked home from the cinema
Sofiia Osadcha and Stepan Shtyk, who were both 18 and studying at a local vocational education centre, were killed in a Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia on 3 February. They were on their way home from the cinema at the time.
Source: staff from the Zaporizhzhia Construction Vocational Education Centre, speaking to Suspilne, a Ukrainian public broadcaster
Details: The students were training to become a computer data entry operator and an executive secretary. Sofiia played volleyball and took part in city and regional competitions, while Stepan enjoyed playing chess and draughts.
Their teachers said Stepan planned to go on to university, while Sofiia wanted to complete her four-year course at the vocational education centre.
Svitlana Ivashchenko, their form teacher, recalled: "It was always important to Sonia to be the first to complete a task. She was never shy about asking me, her form teacher or other students for help.
Stepan was responsible and always keen to achieve academically. He asked whether he could retake an exam and what conclusions he should draw for the future to ensure that everything would be handed in on time."
Describing Sofiia and Stepan as "very cheerful and responsible" students, Svitlana said they had been on their way home from the cinema when the latest Russian attack struck the city.
"They were killed by a Russian drone," Svitlana said. "Their lives lay ahead of them, but it cut them short."
Background:
- On 3 February, Russia struck a residential district of Zaporizhzhia. The attack took place in the evening, when residents were returning home from work.
- Five apartment buildings, cars and non-residential premises were damaged. Twelve people were injured, including four children. People sought medical help for blast injuries, shrapnel wounds, concussion and head injuries.
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