Home of Legendary Rocket Designer’s Family Destroyed in Dnipro Strike: Fundraiser Launched

Family of Renowned Engineer Left Homeless

According to Главком: On April 25, a massive attack on Dnipro severely damaged an apartment building where the family of Volodymyr Dranovsky, chief designer at the Pivdenne Design Office, lived. His 91-year-old wife managed to escape, but lost her home. In response to this tragedy, the family has started a fundraising campaign to help the elderly woman secure new housing and essential belongings.

The April 25 assault was part of a broader enemy campaign targeting Ukraine with Shahed drones and missiles. Strikes were recorded not only in Dnipro, but also in Kharkiv, Chernihiv, Kyiv, Odesa, Cherkasy, and other regions. Over the course of that day, the attacks on Dnipro killed 8 residents and wounded 49 others.

Aftermath of the Attack

By April 26, the death toll from the Dnipro strike had risen to 9, as a 24-year-old man died in the hospital. Russian forces attacked the city continuously for 20 hours, launching a second strike on the same residential district. Rescue operations were interrupted by new explosions, further complicating the situation.

“This is a man who dedicated his life to work involving the development and creation of spacecraft and space systems, including the Kosmos, Interkosmos, Okean, Sich, and Mikrosputnik series. He worked in a field where mistakes are unacceptable. Where every component is the result of months of calculations, checks, and responsibility. Where systems requiring the highest precision and deep knowledge are built. He constructed complex things that served the country and its people. And today, his family finds itself in a difficult situation. The home where his wife lived has been destroyed.”

- Daria Verboloz

This incident highlights not only the personal tragedy of the Dranovsky family but also the broader consequences of war for many Ukrainians. The continued attacks on civilian infrastructure underscore the conflict’s escalation and its impact on innocent lives. Fundraising for victims of these strikes is a vital initiative that not only aids specific individuals but also fosters solidarity among citizens during these trying times.