8-year-old killed in Cherkasy drone strike while playing on playground

Local resident Valentyna Hulianytska, who witnessed the attack, said 8-year-old Bohdan had been playing ball with friends on a playground when an enemy drone struck the city.

“The others ran in different directions, but he was holding two balls, not wanting them to get lost. The blast threw him — I don’t know, about two meters into the air — and he fell. I called an ambulance. Unfortunately, nothing could be done. He was badly injured,” Valentyna said.

On April 15, only five of Bohdan’s 23 classmates came to school. According to their homeroom teacher, Tamara Mahlovana, the students are struggling to cope with the loss.

“Everyone was upset. Some didn’t come to school today because it’s very hard. Bohdan was very kind, very sociable. He loved sports. He never argued or fought with anyone. He was such a bright, very pleasant child,” she said.

School principal Olha Kochmar said the school plans to honor Bohdan’s memory.

“We plan to create a small memorial corner so that children can honor him, because he was a very good, open and very bright boy. We also plan to hold discussions and show videos to emphasize once again that in today’s conditions, safety is the main priority,” she said.

People have been bringing toys to the playground where 8-year-old Bohdan was killed. A farewell ceremony for the boy is scheduled for April 16.