Russian Attacks Intensify on Kherson State University

Kherson State University (KSU) continues to be a target of sustained Russian attacks, with multiple buildings damaged in recent weeks. Despite the ongoing relocation of the university to Ivano-Frankivsk National University since April 2022, Russian forces are systematically targeting its remaining infrastructure in Kherson.

Recent Attacks and Damage

On February 17, 2026, the fifth building of KSU was struck by Russian forces, impacting the departments of Ukrainian and foreign philology, journalism, history, psychology, and social work [Source: Ukrainska Pravda]. Several floors sustained damage, with windows blown out and facades pockmarked by shrapnel. Doors were damaged, and debris scattered around the area.

Prior to this, on February 16, 2026, the university’s main building was attacked, damaging classrooms within the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics, including physics laboratories [Source: Ukrinform]. University residences were also targeted in the same attack.

These attacks follow previous incidents on January 13, 2026, and March 28, 2024, where classrooms were destroyed [Source: Ukrinform], and on October 12 and 17, 2023 [Source: Ukrinform].

Rector’s Statement and Intent

Oleksandr Spivakovskyi, Rector of Kherson State University, has repeatedly condemned the attacks, describing the actions as a deliberate attempt to destroy educational infrastructure and deprive the community of access to knowledge [Source: Intent.Press]. He stated that “Russian barbarians continue to destroy our educational infrastructure” [Source: Ukrinform].

Broader Context of Attacks in Kherson Region

The attacks on KSU are part of a wider pattern of Russian shelling in the Kherson region. On February 18, 2026, Russian forces shelled 23 localities in the region, including the city of Kherson itself. While no civilians were reported injured or killed in these attacks, a local state-owned enterprise was damaged by drones [Source: Intent.Press]. A civilian medical facility in the Dniprovsky district of Kherson was targeted with drones, resulting in injuries to two medical workers on the same day [Source: Intent.Press].

These attacks on civilian infrastructure, including educational and medical facilities, have been described as a terrorist tactic and have received attention at the UN level [Source: Intent.Press].