Kyiv Bombing Damages Home of European Rhythmic Gymnastics Vice-Champion Yeva Meleshchuk

Strikes on Kyiv and Their Aftermath

According to Главком: In the early hours of June 15, 2026, a Russian missile barrage hit Kyiv, damaging the apartment building where Yeva Meleshchuk-the 2023 European vice-champion in rhythmic gymnastics-resides. The attack was part of a large-scale Russian assault on multiple Ukrainian cities. Five people were killed, and over 30 others were wounded, including two children aged five and six.

Meleshchuk, who trained at the Irina Deriugina Academy, earned a silver medal in the team event at the 2023 European Championships. She also won gold in the clubs routine at the 2019 Summer Universiade. Following the strike, she shared her experience:

“Literally our home. The scariest night of my life. I hope as many people as possible got help and made it to safety. We recently moved here and spent years thinking this is where we wanted to settle forever. Our apartment is intact, we are alive and safe-thank God.” – Yeva Meleshchuk

The attack also damaged a building located just 100 meters from the home of Marta Kostyuk’s parents. Kostyuk, Ukraine’s second-ranked female tennis player, was preparing for her first-round match against Spain’s Oksana Selekhmetieva when the strikes occurred. She commented:

“This morning, a missile destroyed a building 100 meters from my parents’ house, so it was a very hard morning for me.” – Marta Kostyuk

The bombardment sparked fires and caused destruction across nearly every district of the capital. This tragedy highlights the ongoing threats facing Ukrainians in their own cities and the severe impact of the conflict on civilian life.

These events underscore the constant risks to the lives and safety of Ukrainian citizens amid the protracted war. The strikes continue to endanger not only infrastructure but also the lives of ordinary people, including young athletes who have achieved international success. The statements from Yeva Meleshchuk and Marta Kostyuk reflect not just personal tragedy but the broader trauma endured by Ukrainians during wartime, reinforcing the need for continued international support and awareness of the situation in Ukraine.

The recent missile strikes in Kyiv not only affected prominent athletes like Yeva Meleshchuk but also raised serious concerns about the safety of civilians across the city. In a related incident, the RVC commander addressed the situation amidst the destruction of a high-rise building, emphasizing the gravity of the ongoing conflict. To gain further insights into the military's perspective on these attacks and their implications for the local population, you can read more about the commander's address here.