Five Injured at Kyiv Trade University as Russian Ballistic Missiles Hit Capital

Five students and employees of the State University of Trade and Economics (SUTE) in Kyiv were injured when Russia struck the Ukrainian capital with ballistic missiles overnight on 26-27 October. Education and Science Minister Andrii Butenko said early reports of fatalities at the university were not confirmed, and no students or staff members were killed.

Academic buildings, the campus grounds and student accommodation were all damaged. The university is still assessing the extent of the destruction. The Ministry of Education and Science said it is in contact with SUTE's management to offer the help the institution needs.

SUTE Vice-Chancellor Anatolii Mazaraki told the Ukrainian outlet hromadske that some people had taken cover in a shelter, while those who were hurt had been outdoors at the time of the attack.

Two sophomore students were injured near the dormitory and suffered severe wounds. One of them is waiting for surgery. The SUTE Student Council has asked people to contribute to a fundraiser for the treatment of the two, named as Roman Balla and Anna Voloshyna.

Kyiv24 TV reported that students and teachers are now helping to clear up after the strike.

Butenko condemned the attack in strong terms. "This is yet another time the terrorist country has attacked educational institutions," he said, adding that the enemy directs its missiles against children, teachers and scientists "without any pity or humanity." He said there is no justification for Moscow's actions. The minister also urged everyone involved in the educational process to go straight to shelters when an air-raid warning sounds.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports said the Ivan Piddubny Olympic College was also damaged in the assault. The children there were in a shelter during the attack and were not hurt.

Russia hit Kyiv with ballistic missiles on the evening of 26 October and again overnight. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian forces launched 16 ballistic missiles during the night. According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, one person was killed and another 15 were injured.