Kyiv Bids Farewell to Sisters Vera and Lyubava, Killed in Russian Strike

A Heartbreaking Loss in Kyiv

According to Главком: On May 19, a funeral service was held at Kyiv's St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery for sisters Vera (17) and Lyubava (12) Yakovleva, who died on May 14 when a Russian missile struck an apartment building in the Darnytskyi district. The ceremony took place between two air raid sirens. After the service, hearses headed to Baikove Cemetery.

Vera Yakovleva had been studying painting for two years at the Professional College of Arts and Design of KNUTD. Her father, Yevgen, was killed at the front three years ago. The missile attack on May 14 claimed 24 lives, including three children, and left 48 people wounded. The assault hit nine districts of Kyiv, using ballistic missiles and drones. Among the victims in the destroyed entrance was 15-year-old Maria, a student at Lyceum No. 237, along with her father and grandmother.

Farewell to the Yakovleva Sisters

College students and faculty, military personnel, family friends, and concerned Kyiv residents attended the farewell. Inside the church stood two white coffins, adorned with photos of the sisters and bouquets of flowers. During the service, classmates and peers stepped outside to embrace and weep. College students rushed to the attack site as soon as they heard about the destroyed entrance. When the sisters' bodies were found, young people brought flowers, stuffed animals, and photographs.

“Zhenya and I became godparents even before his daughters were born. Then these two bright girls came into the world. They were such a family that even now, remembering them, I smile warmly. Their warmth was literally radiating... We stayed friends after college. Wonderful little angel girls, the war caught up with Yevgen's daughters... We learned about the tragedy from friends; we all live nearby. The girls' mother held out hope until the very end that they would be found alive. And now I pray that Tanya finds the strength to live,”

- Natalia, friend of the Yakovleva family for over 20 years

“Their group-the painters-are very close-knit. The news spread to everyone, and it hurt deeply when they were found, shattered by the blast. It hurts for the mother, it hurts for the friends... This is our first student lost,”

- Anastasia Chernysheva, head of the college student council

College instructor Dmytro Koval also expressed his condolences: “She always had her own perspective. She was kind and talented. Vera and Lyubava belong to that generation of Ukrainians that embodies the spiritual core and strength of our nation. She was very independent, strong-willed, and resilient. She, her friends, and the entire college community deeply feel this loss. Her classmates say she was never indifferent as a friend and always stood by others. Until the very last moment during the rubble clearance, all the students stood by the building-unfortunately, the worst was confirmed...”

On May 15, Kyiv declared a day of mourning in memory of those killed in the missile strike.

This tragedy serves as another painful reminder of the ongoing war's toll in Ukraine. The loss of young lives, especially amid conflict, deeply resonates within society and underscores the need to support grieving families. As the community honors the fallen, it also highlights the urgent call for peace and stability in the region.

The tragedy of the Yakovleva sisters is a stark reminder of the ongoing violence in the region. Following the missile strike that claimed their lives, the city of Kyiv has declared a day of mourning to honor all 24 victims of this brutal attack. This somber event highlights the profound impact of the conflict on the local community. For more details on the day's events and the wider implications of the strike, read about the day of mourning declared in Kyiv.