Kirkcudbright Academy has paid tribute to a former pupil who was killed in action while fighting Russian forces in eastern Ukraine. Arkadii Petrov, a Ukrainian refugee who had attended the Scottish secondary school, died aged just 21.
Refugee journey to Scotland
Arkadii Petrov and his family arrived in Kirkcudbright at the start of the war after leaving their home country. They fled the Russian invasion, which began in February 2022, prompting millions of Ukrainians to leave the country.
Communities across Scotland welcomed refugees through the UK Government's Homes for Ukraine scheme and other routes. Arkadii later returned to Ukraine and joined the fight against Russian forces in eastern Ukraine.
School's tribute
Kirkcudbright Academy announced the news in a post on social media, paying tribute to the former pupil, who had not long turned 21.
The school said: "It is with deep sadness that I write to pass on the terrible news that one of our recent former pupils has been killed."
"Arkadii Petrov and his family arrived in Kirkcudbright from Ukraine as refugees fleeing from the Russian invasion, at the start of the war."
"Arkadii had returned to Ukraine and was fighting against the invasion forces in Eastern Ukraine when he was killed in action."
The school said Arkadii had "just turned 21" and sent its thoughts and best wishes to his family and friends. The circumstances surrounding his death have not been disclosed.
