On the night of November 18, the Russian army dealt a new blow to Berestin (Kharkiv region), taking the life of 17-year-old Ukrainian and European kickboxing champion Karina Bakhur. The girl was trying to run to a basement shelter in Berestina when she received fatal shrapnel wounds. She died on the operating table.

In total, eight people were injured in the attack, seven of whom remain in hospital..

Karina Bakhur was one of the strongest young athletes in Ukraine. Among her achievements are the title of European champion in 2023 and 2025, medalist of the 2023 World Championship, champion of Ukraine in Cossack double fighting and kickboxing, as well as the title of Master of Sports of Ukraine. In 2025, she also received the title of Master of Sports in kickboxing ISKA.

The family was preparing for a trip to the World Cup: Karina’s sister, living in Germany, sent her money for travel, and on the night of November 18, the athlete was supposed to go to Austria, and two weeks later celebrate her 18th birthday.

The athlete’s father, Vitaly Bakhur, told Suspilny about the tragic minutes. According to him, after the first arrivals the family managed to leave, but decided to return, thinking that the shelling had ended.

In a new strike, the rocket exploded just 50 meters from their home.

The father received wounds to his leg and chest and was next to his daughter at the time of the explosion: “Maybe she covered me with her body. While I was taking her to the hospital, she was unconscious. Only sometimes I opened my eyes. They wanted to hospitalize me, but I refused. How will I lie down if I have to bury my daughter

Karina's coach, Vladimir Zibarov, who worked with her from the age of six, recalls that the girl dreamed of becoming a coach.

She was a third-year teacher at a pedagogical college, led a children's group and was supposed to make her debut as a mentor at a competition that fell just on her birthday..

Zibarov said that the first attack on the village destroyed the windows, but the athlete’s family survived. The second series of blows turned out to be fatal:.

" Around one and a half in the morning her mother called me and said that Karini’s heart had stopped.. The wounds were too severe, incompatible with life,” the coach said.

A fundraiser has been organized to support the family, writes berestyn. informa:.