Holocaust survivor, 96, killed after Russian attack on Kharkiv

A Ukrainian man who survived the Holocaust has been killed following an attack on Kharkiv.

Boris Romantschenko, 96, survived four concentration camps during the Second World War, but was killed after a missile hit his apartment block in the eastern Ukrainian city on Friday.

Following his death, the Buchenwald and Mittelbau-Dora Memorials Foundation said it was “deeply disturbed” by his passing.

A statement from the foundation, of which Mr Romantschenko was vice-President, read: “We mourn the loss of a close friend. We wish his son and granddaughter, who brought us the sad news, a lot of strength in these difficult times.”

The foundation also praised him for his work in campaigning to maintain the memory of “Nazi war crimes” during the Second World War.

Mr Romantschenko was captured by Nazi troops after the invasion of the Soviet Union and was deported to Germany in 1942.

After being forced to carry out hard labour, he was deported to the Buchenwald concentration but also spent time at Mittelbau-Dora, Bergen Belsen and Peenemunde.

Despite constant Russian attacks, Ukrainian forces have managed to hold Kharkiv, although a Russian attack killed five people over the weekend, including a nine-year-old boy.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian advances in the country had been slowed.

Commenting on the acts of Russian warplane pilots, one of which was shot down near Kharkiv, he said: “They definitely have emptiness instead of a heart. Instead of a soul. Instead of everything that makes people human."

According to the United Nations, up to 925 civilians have been killed, while there have been 1,496 injuries as of March 21.

In the latest intelligence update from the Ministry of Defence, it said Russian forces have been unable to take the city of Mariupol despite persistent attacks.

The UN said more than 10 million Ukrainians have been displaced as a result of the conflict.