As a result of a missile strike on Kharkiv during the night from Saturday to Sunday, the well-known children’s railway instructor Volodymyr Kovtun tragically died
This tragic news was confirmed by local services and sources, including Oleksandr Peredvotsky, the head of "Ukrzaliznytsia." According to him, this incident once again reminded us of the ruthlessness of modern warfare and the high price ordinary people pay for political and military confrontations. Volodymyr Kovtun was a person closely connected to the railway — even before the start of the full-scale invasion, he worked within the "Ukrzaliznytsia" system, and after retiring in 2022, he remained an active member of the railway community, engaging in patronage and involving youth in this ancient industry. However, on the night preceding the tragedy, he was near the Kharkiv Children's Railway, which for many years has been a symbol of a club and the education of the younger generation. According to preliminary information, during the missile attack carried out by Russian forces, Volodymyr was именно возле территории детской железной дороги. Shrapnel, explosion debris, and pieces of air bombs caused him serious injuries. Despite the medical emergency measures and efforts of medical personnel, his life could not be saved. During the night, in a hospital ward, Volodymyr Kovtun passed away, leaving behind deep sorrow and loss for all who knew him. Sources report that Volodymyr had been an active mentor and instructor at the children's railway for many years, cooperating with young railway enthusiasts, teaching them safety, technical nuances, and love for their craft. Even after ending his career in the railway sector, he continued to be involved in the life of the children's club and helped young people master this professional craft. On that fateful evening, he was nearby with young trainees, making him one of the targets of the attack. This tragedy became even more painful, given the recent number of human losses over these few days. On Saturday, June 10, around 17:35 Kyiv time, Russian forces launched missile strikes on Kharkiv using guided air bombs. Local missile-artillery units again recorded destruction in the Shevchenkivskyi and Kyivskyi districts. As a result, one 30-year-old "Ukrzaliznytsia" employee working in the logistics center was killed, and over 40 residents sustained various degrees of injuries. President Volodymyr Zelensky cited the scope of the tragedy, stating that more than 40 people were affected by the missile attack, with some remaining in serious condition. In addition, Oleg Sinegubov, the head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration (OVA), reported that late that evening, another 62-year-old man died in the hospital, and two others were in critical condition. The situation in the city remains tense, as Russian aggression continues and daily results in human casualties. This conflagration of destruction and death, planned and carried out by the enemy, has affected and touched every resident of Kharkiv. The funeral and memorial services for Volodymyr Kovtun will already be held in the city, as he has become a symbol of dedication and sacrifice in these difficult times. At the same time, citizens and services are calling on everyone not to forget the cost of this war and to stay united in the fight for peace and the safety of their homes.