Scottish school pays tribute to former pupil killed while fighting for Ukraine

A school in Dumfries and Galloway has paid tribute to a former pupil who was killed fighting for Ukraine.

Kirkcudbright Academy confirmed Arkadii Petrov, who fled to Scotland with his family at the start of the conflict, had been killed.

The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, and some 28,000 Ukrainians have fled to Scotland since.

The school’s rector, Anthony Tuffery, described the pupil, who completed his S6 studies in Kirkcudbright, as a “polite, respectful and hardworking young man”.

Petrov, who had just turned 21, was fighting against the invasion forces in Eastern Ukraine when he was killed in action.

A statement from the school read: “Our thoughts and best wishes go out to all his family and friends at this tragic moment.”

Former classmates also took to social media to pay tribute, writing: “Even with everything that had been happening in his homeland, he was always such a kind and friendly person.

“He was keen to get involved in the things we did, both in and outside of school, including our parties and was always a lovely person to have around.”

Anthony Tuffery, rector of Kirkcudbright Academy, said: “Everyone at Kirkcudbright Academy is saddened to hear of the death of Arkadii.

“Although he was only at the school for one year to complete his S6 studies, he was a polite, respectful and hardworking young man.

“We would like to pass on our deepest sympathies to his family and friends and our thoughts are with them at this incredibly difficult time.”