Killed while playing outside with friends: the 8-year-old boy who died in a Russian drone strike on Cherkasy

Eight-year-old Bohdan Serheiev was killed in a Russian strike on Cherkasy on 14 April. At the time of the attack, he was playing with friends at a local playground.

Source: Suspilne Cherkasy, a local branch of the Ukrainian public broadcaster, citing Valentyna Hulianytska, an eyewitness who called an ambulance

Quote from Hulianytska: "The other children scattered, but he was holding two balls so they wouldn't roll away. He was thrown about two metres into the air and then fell. I called an ambulance. Sadly, nothing could be done – he was very badly injured."

Details: Ihor Fesun, head of the regional emergency medical centre, said medics battled to save his life for over an hour, but were unable to do so.

Many of Bohdan's classmates were not at school the next day. His form teacher, Tamara Mahlovana, said the children are struggling to cope with the loss.

Quote from Mahlovana: "Everyone was devastated. Even today, some didn't come to school because it's so hard. Bohdan was very kind and sociable. He loved sport. He never argued or fought with anyone. He was a lovely child, very cheerful."

School No. 25, where Bohdan studied, plans to create a memorial corner in his honour.

Quote from the school: "The school community has suffered a painful loss with the death of Bohdan Serheiev, a second-grade student. A young life cut short by a Russian drone on 14 April 2026 is a tragedy that leaves a deep wound in every heart.

He was a wonderful boy, a ray of sunshine, a bright and successful student and a beloved classmate."

Bohdan will be laid to rest on 16 April at 14:00 at the House of Mourning in Cherkasy.

Background:

• Cherkasy came under a Russian drone attack on 14 April. An eight-year-old boy was killed and 14 people were injured. The following day was declared a day of mourning in the city.
• On the night of 14-15 April, Russia carried out another strike on Cherkasy Oblast, injuring at least four people.

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