Oregon Volunteer Dies in Kyiv During Russian Missile Attack

Sun Oct 19 2025 19:15:12 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Fred Grandy, an Oregon native and volunteer, was among those killed in a devastating attack in Kyiv, drawing attention to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Fred Grandy, an American artist and volunteer, was killed in a recent large-scale Russian missile and drone assault in Kyiv, which resulted in at least 28 fatalities. Grandy traveled to Ukraine after feeling disheartened by the U.S. government's changing stance on the war, determined to make a positive impact. Family members shared his dedication to aiding the Ukrainian people, citing his desire to remain in the country for several months. The extensive attack, which occurred over nine hours, saw significant destruction, particularly impacting a nine-story apartment building. Emergency teams continue to recover bodies and assess damage, highlighting the growing challenges in the region as air assaults escalate and civilian casualties rise.

Fred Grandy, a 62-year-old American artist known for his whimsical wooden signs and vibrant metalflowers, arrived in Kyiv late last month with a commitment to volunteer in the aftermath of Russian aggression. Disillusioned by what he perceived as a dwindling American support for Ukraine, he sought to contribute meaningfully to the war effort by helping clear rubble from Russian attacks. Family members noted that he felt he was right where he was meant to be. Tragically, he became one of at least 28 victims in a Russian missile and drone strike that devastated parts of Kyiv on Monday night and early Tuesday.

This intense assault marked one of the most significant attacks seen in the ongoing conflict, inflicting severe damage across the city, particularly in a nine-story apartment complex that suffered near-total destruction. Emergency responders continue to work diligently to recover victims from the wreckage, with estimates indicating the death toll of Ukrainian civilians has surpassed 13,300 since the onset of the full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Mr. Grandy appears to be the first American civilian officially reported killed by a missile strike in Kyiv. The Russian Defense Ministry maintains that the attacks targeted military objectives, despite the devastating impact on civilians. As tensions rise and the likelihood of a cease-fire diminishes, stories like Mr. Grandy’s reflect the ongoing tragedy and personal losses within this larger conflict.