Gifted musician and teacher Olena Kohut killed in Russian missile strike on Sumy

Olena Kohut, a musician from Sumy, was killed in the Russian missile strike on 13 April. She was a solo organist at the regional philharmonic, a member of the orchestra at the local theatre and a lecturer at a professional arts college.

Source: UP.Life citing Kohut's colleagues from Sumy National Theatre named after Mykhailo Shchepkin and the Sumy Oblast Philharmonic

Details: "On 13 April 2025, as a result of a missile strike by Russia, our theatre family experienced a pain that cannot be expressed in words.

Olena was an incredibly bright person, a true professional, a caring colleague and a loyal friend. Her music, her smile, her kindness – will remain in our memory forever," the theatre wrote.

Colleagues from the Bortnianskyi Sumy Professional College of Arts and Culture described her as a talented pianist, "full of energy and creative plans".

They said she was a true mentor and pillar of support for her students, helping them unlock their potential and believe in themselves.

They added that during her lessons, Kohut not only passed on her knowledge but also taught humanity, kindness, and optimism.

"Her mastery, deep understanding of music and impeccable performance captivated everyone lucky enough to hear her," the college wrote.

In addition to her teaching and professional musical work, Olena performed abroad, playing the Ukrainian national anthem in historic European churches as a way to promote Ukrainian culture.

Olena Kohut is survived by her mother, husband and sons.

The date, time, and location of the farewell ceremony will be announced by her colleagues in due course.

Background: 

• On 13 April, Russia launched a missile strike on central Sumy. Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence indicates the city was hit by two Iskander-M ballistic missiles fired from Voronezh and Kursk oblasts in Russia.
• At least 32 people, including two children, were killed in the attack. Another 99 were injured, including 11 minors.

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