A family of three, a nurse and a volunteer: details emerge of those killed in Russia’s attack on Poltava – photos
Fourteen people lost their lives in a Russian attack on Poltava yesterday. As of 2 February, 17 people have been reported injured, including four children.
Soure: UP.Zhyttia
Details: A whole family was killed in their home: Olena and Dmytro Yavorskyi and their 9-year-old daughter Sofiia. They lived on the second floor of the apartment block destroyed in the attack.
This was reported by Volodymyr Popereshniuk, co-founder of the Ukrainian delivery company Nova Poshta, where Olena worked.
Popereshniuk said Olena had a degree in education and had been a biology teacher, but she had been working at the company’s call centre since 2015.
The sixth branch of the Poltava Central Library added that 9-year-old Sofiia Yavorska had been a regular visitor to the library.
Quote: "Sofia was a young girl who genuinely loved books and always came to the library with an inquisitive look and an open heart. She was a talented, kind, cheerful girl who inspired us with her thirst for knowledge and her dreams for the future."
Details: Olena Skliar, a nurse at a regional dermatology and sexual health clinic, was injured in the Russian attack.
Olena was taken to a local hospital in a serious condition, but doctors were unable to save her life.
Quote: "Our dear colleague Olena, an experienced nurse, a wonderful person and a lovely lady, has passed away.
She devoted years of her life to treating patients, was a rock for the doctors, and exemplified humanity and kindness for everyone who had the honour of working with her. Her sincere smile, kind heart and professionalism will forever remain in our memories."
Details: Olena Skliar's apartment was completely destroyed. Her son is now homeless. Caring friends are raising money to help Olena's family.
On 1 February, a Russian missile also killed Anastasiia Kolvakh, an actress and co-author of productions at the Theatre of Contemporary Dialogue who was also a volunteer and IT worker.
Quote from the theatre: "Anastasiia was multi-talented: she worked in the cultural sector and in IT. She was an active volunteer and a bright person in general. So let the memory of her be bright and pure too."
Background: On 1 February 2025, Russian troops struck a residential building in Poltava. Emergency workers continue to work at the scene of the tragedy. The city has declared three days of mourning.
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