At the opening of an art exhibition in Kharkiv’s Yermoliv Center on Aug. 29, 18-year-old artist Veronika Kozhushko, also known as Nika, could be seen jumping on a small trampoline before she landed on her feet with a breathless smile.

The following day, Russia killed her.

Russia launched glide bombs at Kharkiv on Aug. 30, killing at least seven people and injuring over 90 others. The city has been a frequent target of Russian attacks since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022 given its proximity to Russia.

Over 100 Ukrainian artists have been killed since 2022, according to the writer’s association PEN Ukraine. With the death of Kozhushko, Ukraine not only lost yet another artist but one that was just at the start of her life and career.

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