13-year-old Arina Pidruchna killed in Russian drone strike in Koziatyn

Thirteen-year-old Arina Pidruchna was killed in a Russian drone strike on Koziatyn, a city in Vinnytsia Oblast, on 1 November. The attack targeted an educational institution, with the drone hitting an area near temporary accommodation for internally displaced people. Her school and the Hlukhivtsi territorial community released statements about her life.

Arina attended Koziatyn City Council Lyceum No. 2, a specialised secondary school. In its tribute, the lyceum described her as an outstanding pupil whose kindness, cheerful nature and compassion had made her a valued friend. The school said those who knew her would remember her warmth and readiness to help others.

Born on 4 May 2013, Arina grew up with her family in the village of Nepedivka, according to the Hlukhivtsi community. She received her primary education at Nepedivka Lyceum and also studied at a private school in Berdychiv. There, she completed a mental arithmetic course with distinction.

She transferred to Koziatyn Lyceum No. 2 in fifth grade and became a class monitor as well as an excellent student. Mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology were particular strengths, and she regularly earned prizes in academic competitions. Her interests also extended beyond her schoolwork.

Arina took part in extracurricular activities and attended a Pentecostal Sunday school in Koziatyn. The community remembered her as sincere and sociable, with many friends. Its statement also described the affection she had for her younger brother, Arsen, whom she adored.

On 1 November, Arina had intended to attend church with her mother before going to a humanities club at the Sunday school. Along the way, she was supposed to meet a friend near a shop close to the location of the Russian strike. According to the community, she was speaking on the phone when the attack occurred, and her final words referred to seeing a Shahed drone.

The date and time of Arina's funeral had not yet been announced. Her death followed other fatal Russian attacks on 29 October, including one in Kremenchuk that killed a mother of two identified only as Anna. Unable to reach safety, she shielded her daughter Kseniia and son Yehor with her body.

Also on 29 October, two 15-year-old classmates, Yana Pieshkova and Mariia Mozhova, were killed in central Chernihiv. That attack involved a Russian Banderol drone-launched cruise missile.