Ukrainian refugee killed fighting in war after studying in Kirkcudbright
Arkadii Petrov had fled to Scotland at the start of the war before returning to fight against Russian forces
Last updated 28th Sep 2026
A Ukrainian refugee who spent a year studying in Kirkcudbright has been killed while fighting against Russian invasion forces in eastern Ukraine.
Arkadii Petrov, who had just turned 21, died while serving with Ukrainian forces, according to Kirkcudbright Academy.
Fled to Scotland at start of war
Arkadii and his family arrived in Kirkcudbright as refugees at the start of the war, having fled Ukraine following the Russian invasion.
He completed his S6 studies at Kirkcudbright Academy before later returning to Ukraine.
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He then joined the fight against the invasion forces in the east of the country, where he was killed in action.
Tributes paid by school
Kirkcudbright Academy paid tribute to Arkadii in a post on Facebook.
It said: "It is with deep sadness that I write to pass on the terrible news that one of our recent former pupils has been killed.
"Arkadii Petrov and his family arrived in Kirkcudbright from Ukraine as refugees fleeing from the Russian invasion, at the start of the war.
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"Arkadii had returned to Ukraine and was fighting against the invasion forces in Eastern Ukraine when he was killed in action.
"Arkadii had just turned 21; our thoughts and best wishes go out to all his family and friends at this tragic moment.'
Rector Anthony Tuffery also spoke about Arkadii's time at the school.
He 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 hard working 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."
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