Kyiv Campus Strike: Five Injured as Ballistic Missiles Hit University

Five people were injured when Russian ballistic missiles struck the State University of Trade and Economics in Kyiv during the night of October 26 and October 27. Early reports of fatalities among the university community were not confirmed, and no students or employees died in the attack.

The State Emergency Service of Ukraine stated that one person was killed and 15 others were injured across Kyiv during the missile barrage. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Russia launched 16 ballistic missiles over the course of the night. The strikes targeted multiple areas, including the SUTE campus and the Ivan Piddubny Olympic College.

Andrii Butenko, the Minister of Education and Science, confirmed the injuries at SUTE. He noted that academic buildings, the campus territory, and student accommodation facilities sustained damage. The university is currently assessing the extent of the destruction. The ministry is in direct contact with the institution's management to coordinate assistance for the affected staff and students.

Anatolii Mazaraki, the vice-chancellor of SUTE, explained that the injuries occurred among individuals who were outside during the strike. He stated that some people were safely inside shelters, but those hit were outdoors. Two sophomore students, Roman Balla and Anna Voloshyna, were injured near the student accommodation. Both sustained severe injuries, and one is currently waiting for surgery. The SUTE Student Council has launched a fundraiser to cover their treatment costs.

Butenko described the attack as another instance of a "terrorist country" targeting educational institutions. He said the enemy directs missiles at children, teachers, and scientists without pity. He urged all participants in the educational process to proceed immediately to shelters whenever an air-raid warning is issued. Students and teachers at SUTE are currently helping to clear the aftermath of the overnight strikes.

The Ivan Piddubny Olympic College was also damaged in the same series of attacks. The Ministry of Youth and Sports reported that children present at the college were in shelters during the strike and were not injured. The damage to the college buildings is part of the broader impact on educational infrastructure in Kyiv.