Russia kills two prominent Ukrainian scientists in New Year’s attack

Two scientists from the Taras Shevchenko University in Kyiv were killed on Jan. 1 during a Russian aerial attack on Ukraine’s capital city.

Neurobiologist Ihor Zyma and Dr. Olesia Sokur, a respected biologist from the university’s Institute of Biology and Medicine were among the victims when drones struck two floors of a residential building in Kyiv’s Pechersk district where many government buildings are situated. 

“Nearly their entire lives were devoted to science, working for many years…at the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv,” said Ukraine’s Minister of Education, Oksen Lisovyi.

Seven other civilians were injured in two of Kyiv’s 10 administrative districts on New Year’s Day, according to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine.

“On the first day of the year – a day filled with hopes and expectations – Russia brings grief and death,” stated the Interior Affairs Ministry.

The attack also caused damage to the building of the National Writers’ Union. The shockwave shattered windows, damaging garages, vehicles, and tram tracks in the Sviatoshyn district.

Moscow launched 111 strike drones on the territory of Ukraine on New Year’s Eve, targeting 10 regions. Most of the drones were intercepted by air defense systems.

“Even on New Year’s Eve, Russia’s only focus was how to inflict pain on Ukraine,” said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Russia attacks Ukrainian cities and villages daily. The Ukrainian World Congress publishes news on the largest shelling incidents. More detailed information on the consequences of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, read the Victory Chronicles.