Second medical student injured in Russian strike on Kharkiv dies in Germany

Kharkiv National Medical University graduate Nnani Adaobi Merian, 23, who was injured in the Russian strike on Kharkiv on 29 June, has died in German hospital.

Source: Kharkiv National Medical University on Facebook

Details: Adaobi sustained burns to 90% of her body. She was treated first in Kharkiv and then in Germany, but doctors were unable to save her life.

Earlier, the same Russian strike on Kharkiv claimed the life of Adaobi's close friend, Fatima Ilyas kizi Huseynova. The two young women had come to Kharkiv from abroad to collect their diplomas and were on their way to a graduation photo session when a Russian guided aerial bomb struck.

Adaobi enrolled at Kharkiv National Medical University in 2020.

"Over her years of study, she proved herself to be a capable, responsible and dedicated student who studied conscientiously and demonstrated high academic results," the university said.

She consistently sought professional development, taking part in international placements including at the University of Cambridge in 2024 and at Biruni University in Türkiye in 2025.

It was reported that, as a result of the Russian attack, Adaobi sustained burns to 90% of her body, lost one eye, sustained burns to her airways, had a leg amputated and suffered shrapnel wounds to her body and neck.

"Nnani Adaobi Merian was a bright, sincere and kind-hearted person who found common ground with people easily and was distinguished by her thirst for knowledge, diligence and genuine desire to help others.

In the memories of her lecturers, friends, fellow students and all who knew her, she will forever remain a talented student, a good person and an integral part of the large family of Kharkiv National Medical University," the institution said.

Background: On 29 June, the Russians struck the Kholodnohirskyi district of Kharkiv with a guided aerial bomb. The strike that day killed 23-year-old Fatima and injured 12 others.

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