The attack on Tuesday (13th October) caused extensive damage to Rivne State University of the Humanities, with its Faculty of Musical Arts building almost completely destroyed by fire.
Ukraine’s Minister of Education and Science, Andrii Butenko, confirmed that students had been sheltering during the attack, although university administrative staff were among those injured.
In a statement published on Facebook, Mr Butenko said:
“As a result of the enemy attack, a fire broke out…. According to preliminary data, the premises of the Faculty of Music Arts were almost completely burned.
“According to the institution, all students were in shelters. There are victims among the administrative staff of the university.”
According to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service, 30 people were injured in the strike. Emergency crews deployed 64 rescuers and 13 vehicles to the scene, tackling the fire and clearing debris from the damaged university buildings.
The minister added:
“Russia continues to deliberately attack educational institutions. This is a deliberate terror of the civilian population and another attempt to disrupt the educational process in the country.”
The attack has particular significance for Swindon, which is developing a formal relationship with Rivne following several years of supporting Ukrainian families displaced by the war.
In June, Rivne’s Mayor, Viktor Shakyrzian, visited Swindon alongside Deputy Mayor Artem Hanushchak, meeting local councillors, community representatives and members of Swindon Welcomes Ukraine.
The visit was part of discussions about establishing a lasting partnership between the two communities, with proposed cooperation covering education, culture, business and humanitarian projects.
Deputy Leader Jake Chandler said:
“Swindon Councillors of all parties I have spoken to are unified condemning this indefencible attack on a centre of learning, and are saddened by the news from Rivne and across Ukraine.
Personally, my thoughts go straight to the people of Rivne. We stand in solidarity with them completely. Russia is waging a war of aggression against Ukraine, and the escalation of attacks on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure is intended to weaken resolve in Ukraine, which from the responses to these attacks, has had completely the opposite effect!”
In July, Swindon Borough Council’s Town Twinning Committee unanimously recommended progressing a formal Friendship Agreement with Rivne, with the proposal requiring further council approval.
The relationship has already inspired community initiatives, including a Ukrainian-inspired beer produced by Swindon’s Drink Valley Brewery in collaboration with Rivne Brewery.
Swindon has also become home to a significant Ukrainian community since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Local volunteer organisation Swindon Welcomes Ukraine has supported more than 550 Ukrainians settling in the town, while this summer’s UkraineFest attracted 5,300 people to Town Gardens to celebrate Ukrainian culture and independence.
The developing partnership with Rivne aims to build on those connections, creating opportunities for schools, businesses, community organisations and residents in both locations.
Anastasiia Banatska, Chair of Swindon Welcomes Ukraine and a resident of Rivne
“Rivne is where I grew up, and seeing the destruction caused by this attack is heartbreaking. A university should be a place of learning and opportunity, not a target of war.
“As Swindon builds its friendship with Rivne, this is a painful reminder that the war is far from over. We are incredibly grateful for the support shown by people in Swindon, but more host families are still desperately needed to offer safety and hope to those fleeing the conflict.”
Tuesday’s attack highlights the continuing threat faced by civilians in Ukraine, including communities in the west of the country, far from the main front lines. For Swindon, the destruction of a university in Rivne brings the realities of the war into sharper focus as the two communities work towards establishing a lasting friendship.
The attack also highlights the ongoing need for host families in Swindon, as the war continues and Ukrainians remain in need of somewhere safe to stay. Hundreds of local residents have already opened their homes to people fleeing the conflict, but further accommodation is still needed.
Swindon Welcomes Ukraine continues to support displaced Ukrainians living in the town, and residents with a spare room or temporary accommodation are encouraged to get in touch to find out more about becoming a host.
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