Ukraine: Russian Missile Strike Kills Valeriya Hlodan in Odessa
Attack also claimed the lives of Hlodan’s mother and her three-month-old daughter
Location: Ukraine, Odesa
Date: April 23, 2022Updated: November 5, 2023
Valeriya Hlodan was killed by a Russian missile strike on her home in Odesa. The journalist was on maternity leave and died alongside her newborn and her mother. The Coalition For Women In Journalism is devastated by her loss and the callous and malicious actions of the Russian army against the people of Ukraine. We send our deepest condolences to Valeriya’s loved ones.
On April 23, 2022, a Russian missile strike on a residential tower block in Odesa killed at least eight people, including Valeriya Hlodan, 27, and her three-month-old baby daughter Kira, along with her mother. Hlodan, a graduate of the Faculty of Journalism of Odesa National University, worked with Odesa Media.
The attack occurred a day before Orthodox Easter, sparking outrage in Ukraine. An emotional President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed to find and punish those responsible for the missile strike.
“The war started when this baby was 1 month old. Can you imagine what is happening?' Zelensky said in a video. “They are just b***ards. I don't have any other words for it, just b***ards.”
Hlodan’s husband, who was not in their home at the time of the attack, joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces after the loss of his wife and child. Sadly, he too passed away, his body was discovered in November 2023.
In June 2022, President Zelensky marked Journalist's Day by honoring Ukrainian media workers and the families of those who lost their lives due to the Russian invasion, including Valeriya Hlodan. He presented state awards to recognize their contributions and professionalism. Zelensky expressed gratitude to journalists for their dedication, stating that they, like the Armed Forces, defend the truth and bring vital information to the people.
The death of Valeriya Hlodan and her family is a devastating blow. The killing of the young journalist with a promising career ahead of her is a horrific reminder of the senseless and aggressive actions of the Russian army against the people in Ukraine. We strongly denounce the actions of the Russian army and demand an immediate end to the targeting of civilians in Ukraine.
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