The Russia-Ukraine war, which began in 2022, has claimed another Nigerian life.
On June 29, a Russian airstrike in the Kholodnohirskyi district of Kharkiv, Ukraine, tragically resulted in the death of 23-year-old Fatima Ilyas kizi Huseynova and friend, Nnani Adaobi Merian. 
Adaobi sustained life-threatening injuries and was in a coma when she was rushed to a German hospital.
Fatima died on the spot, while Nnani suffered severe burns covering 90% of her body, lost one eye, endured airway burns, required an amputation of one leg, and received numerous shrapnel injuries. She fought for her life in the hospital for days, while monetary contributions were made on her behalf. On July 6, a Twitter user familiar with the situation and media outlets announced that she is died in Germany.
Both young women were on the wayN to a graduation photo session when a guided aerial bomb struck the area. Adaobi had been a bright student at Kharkiv National Medical University since her enrolment in 2020, where she showed exceptional academic performance and sought professional growth, participating in international placements at prestigious institutions, including the University of Cambridge in 2024 and Biruni University in Türkiye in 2025.
After the tragic event, Kharkiv National Medical University expressed deep sorrow and recognition of Adaobi’s contributions and her enduring impact on the university community, describing her as an integral part of the institution’s family.
“Nnani Adaobi Merian was a bright, sincere and kind-hearted person who found common ground with people easily and was distinguished by her thirst for knowledge, diligence and genuine desire to help others. In the memories of her lecturers, friends, fellow students and all who knew her, she will forever remain a talented student, a good person and an integral part of the large family of Kharkiv National Medical University,” the institution said.
The airstrike not only claimed Fatima’s and Adaobi’s lives but also injured 12 others and devastated the broader community in Kharkiv’s Kholodnohirskyi district.
How Many Nigerians Have Been Killed in Ukraine?
The exact figures remain obscure and unknown. However, apart from students, soldiers are the worst casualties of this war. Earlier this year, Punch reported that 38 out of the over 80 Nigerians who were admitted as mercenaries to fight in Ukraine have died in battle.
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