Chernihiv choreographer killed in action while fighting off Russian invasion

That was confirmed by the Chernihiv Regional Philharmonic Center for Festivals and Concert Programs, Ukrinform reports.

“The artistic community has suffered an irreparable loss... A wonderful artist, ballet master, mentor, and hero warrior Viktor Voynikov has perished. For more than two decades, the artist’s creative life was tied with the Chernihiv Regional Philharmonic Center. He was a ballet performer at the Siverski Kleinody Academic Song and Dance Ensemble, a ballet dancer with the Academic Folk Choir,” the statement says.

Voynikov was also the artistic director at the Equator Dance Theater of the regional philharmonic center, chief of the regional branch of the National Choreographic Union of Ukraine.

"His incredible energy, professional skill, and unique artistry captivated his colleagues, and the audience met his performances with genuine admiration. His works remain in our repertoire," the center noted.

Voynikov was mobilized into the ranks of the Armed Forces in 2023.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, an actor with the Dnipropetrovsk Academic Regional Ukrainian Youth Theater, Maksym Kovtun, was killed in action.