The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to claim civilian lives,extending beyond the front lines to impact everyday life,including the nation’s vibrant sporting community. Seventeen-year-old Karina Bachur, a rising star in the world of kickboxing and a national hero, was tragically killed in a Russian missile strike on November 18. Her death underscores the immense human cost of the war, with Ukrainian officials reporting hundreds of athletes and coaches lost since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022[[1]],[[2]].
A Ukrainian kickboxing champion has been killed in a Russian missile strike, highlighting the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict on the country’s sporting community. Karina Bachur, 17, a national and European junior champion, died on November 18 following an attack on the town of Berestyn in the Kharkiv region.
According to reports, Bachur was running towards a shelter when she was struck by shrapnel during the shelling. She sustained critical injuries and died later in a local hospital. The tragedy underscores the dangers faced by civilians in areas targeted by Russian forces.
Bachur had been training at the “Peresvit” military-sports club since the age of seven. She held the title of Ukraine’s national kickboxing champion and had also earned accolades at both the world and European championships. Most recently, she won the European junior kickboxing championship in 2023.
The attack on Berestyn occurred around 10:50 p.m. on November 17, when two Russian missiles struck the town. Two more followed approximately an hour later. Residential buildings, outbuildings, a church, shops, and railway infrastructure were all damaged in the strikes.
One person was killed in the attack – Bachur – and eight others were injured, including a 16-year-old boy. The incident is the latest example of civilian casualties resulting from the conflict in Ukraine.
Approximately 600 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have been killed as a result of Russian aggression as of mid-2025, according to data released by Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry also reported that over 700 sports facilities have been damaged or destroyed since the start of the war in February 2022.
