One of Ukraine's richest and most prominent businessmen has been killed alongside his wife after his home was hit by a Russian missile.
Grain exporter Oleksiy Vadaturksy and his wife Raisa were killed at home in the southern city of Mykolaiv on Saturday night (30 July). The attack was one of many rained down by Russian military, but Vadaturksy is thought to have been a clear target due to his prominence in business.
The 74-year-old owned Ukrainian agricultural company Nibulon, and was considered one of Ukraine's most successful business figures.
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An adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed Vadaturksy was targeted by the Russian army, with the missile landing in his home's bedroom.
Vadaturksy’s net worth was reportedly estimated at $400 million in 2021. He was also known as a major player in the Ukrainian business sector, with the grain exporting industry being one of those hardest hit by the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Local leader Vitaliy Kim lauded the businessman’s 'contribution to the development of the agricultural and shipbuilding industry, the development of the region is invaluable'.
The wealthy businessman lived in the city of Mykolaiv, which lies on the route to the critical port of Odessa, has been a heavy target for Russian fire since the Russian invasion earlier this year.
The head of the European Investment Bank has estimated that it will take more than $1 trillion (£824 billion) to rebuild Ukraine.
Since Russian president Vladimir Putin first sent troops across the border into Ukraine on 24 February, around 212 educational facilities from nurseries to schools and universities have been destroyed, with around 1,849 severely damaged as of 24 June.
Ukrainian officials reported in June that roughly 500 hospitals, 500 factories, 50 rail and 300 car bridges as also being lost as a result of Russian attacks.
It has since been estimated that the damage could require other countries to give aid totalling $1.1 trillion to help get the country back on its feet.
Between $1 billion and $1.5 billion is expected to be reassigned and used to help with efforts to rebuild the country.
If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information
Topics: Ukraine, World News
Niamh Spence