They were returning from cinema: students killed in Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia
Sofiia Osadcha and Stepan Shtyk, 18-year-old students of a local vocational education centre, were killed in the Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia on 3 February. That evening, they were returning home from a cinema.
Source: staff of the Zaporizhzhia Construction Vocational Education Centre in a comment to Suspilne, a Ukrainian public broadcaster
Details: Sofiia and Stepan were studying to become a computer data entry operator and an executive secretary. Sofiia played volleyball and took part in city and regional sports competitions, while Stepan was keen on chess and draughts.
Teachers say the young man planned to enrol at a university, while the girl wanted to complete four years of study at her chosen educational institution.
"It was always important for Sonia to complete tasks first. She was never shy about asking me, her form teacher or other students for help.
Stepan was responsible and always interested in his academic performance. He asked whether he could take another exam on some subjects and how to draw conclusions for the future so that everything would be submitted on time," recalls their form teacher, Svitlana Ivashchenko.
She describes Sofiia and Stepan as "very bright and responsible" students. Svitlana said that they were returning from the cinema on the day of the latest attack on the city.
"They were killed by a Russian drone. It cut short lives that still lay ahead of them…" Svitlana said.
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 residential buildings, cars and non-residential premises were damaged. Twelve people were injured, including four children. City residents sought medical help for blast injuries, shrapnel wounds, concussions and traumatic brain injuries.
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