Arkadii Petrov, a former student at Kirkcudbright Academy in south-west Scotland, has been killed in action while fighting on the frontline in Ukraine. The 21-year-old had moved to Dumfries and Galloway with his family as a teenager following Russia's 2022 invasion, attended the school to complete his final year studies, and later returned to Ukraine to join the military effort.
Petrov and his mother, along with three younger siblings—one brother and two sisters—relocated to Scotland after the Russian invasion began. He spent one year at Kirkcudbright Academy completing his S6 (sixth form) studies before deciding to return to his homeland to fight. According to reports, Petrov was exempt from conscription because of his age and returned to Ukraine voluntarily.
The circumstances of his death in the eastern part of Ukraine have not been publicly disclosed. His loss has deeply affected both the Scottish school community and the Ukrainian diaspora in the region.
What those who knew him remember
Peter Kormylo, archivist at the Ukrainian Prisoner of War chapel in Lockerbie where Petrov regularly attended services, described him as a thoughtful and courteous individual who was committed to Ukraine's cause.
"All I can say about the boy is, having met him on a few occasions, he was a very courteous young man and quite a serious young man,"Kormylo said.
Kormylo recalled a particularly memorable moment that revealed Petrov's depth of character and spiritual commitment.
"The last time I remember him being at the chapel I found him, when everyone had gone, sitting in the chapel writing a couple of what looked like letters - but in actual fact were prayers."He added that Petrov was clearly a reflective person who felt compelled to fulfil his patriotic duty, as many Ukrainians have chosen to do.
Reflecting on Petrov's journey and sacrifice, Kormylo expressed the profound sadness felt across the Ukrainian community in south Scotland.
"He was 21 - he'll be forever 21,"he said.
"He came here, at 16 or 17 years old with his mother, they were refugees. They didn't know what the future would bring, but he did believe in Ukraine's eventual victory. He was a teenager maturing here and obviously gathered his own thoughts and decided to make a very adult decision. So the community is quite upset, as you would guess, everyone feels this pain."
How has his school responded?
Anthony Tuffery, rector at Kirkcudbright Academy, expressed the school's sorrow at learning of Petrov's death.
"Although he was only at the school for one year to complete his S6 studies, he was a polite, respectful and hardworking young man,"Tuffery said.
"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."
A former schoolmate also paid tribute to Petrov on social media, noting that he had been welcomed into their year group and expressing sorrow at his death.
What is the broader context of Ukrainian displacement?
Petrov's story reflects the wider humanitarian crisis created by Russia's invasion. Since the conflict began in February 2022, around 28,000 Ukrainians had fled to Scotland, seeking safety and rebuilding their lives far from the fighting. Many, like Petrov, have grappled with the decision of whether to remain in safety or return to defend their homeland.
The Ukrainian chapel near Lockerbie has become an important spiritual and community centre for displaced Ukrainians in the region, offering services and a place of gathering for those processing both their displacement and the ongoing conflict affecting their families and nation.
