Akhmetov Gives Kyiv Apartment to Scientist After Russian Strike

Rinat Akhmetov’s foundation gave associate professor Mykhailo Vysotskyi a fully furnished Kyiv apartment and new equipment after a July Russian attack destroyed his home and work tools. The gift lets the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv scientist resume teaching, science communication and video production.

Why it matters: - The apartment gives Mykhailo Vysotskyi a way to restart daily life after losing his home, clothes and equipment in a Russian strike. - The gift also restores the conditions he needs to resume teaching, science communication and his YouTube work. - The support is aimed at helping retain and restore Ukraine’s scientific and intellectual capacity.

What happened: - Rinat Akhmetov decided to buy a new apartment for Mykhailo Vysotskyi after learning about the scientist’s loss. - Vysotskyi is a PhD in Physics and Mathematics, an associate professor at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and a science communicator. - In July, a Russian attack destroyed Vysotskyi’s apartment by fire. - He received the keys to a new apartment in Kyiv on Aug. 28, 2026. - The apartment came fully furnished. - Vysotskyi also received modern equipment, including a powerful computer.

The details: - Natalia Yemchenko, chair of the foundation’s supervisory board, said the tragedy drew Akhmetov’s attention and led to the apartment purchase. - Ksenia Sukhova, general director of the foundation, said the computer was provided so Vysotskyi could return to his YouTube channel and science communication. - The foundation said nothing survived in Vysotskyi’s apartment after the strike, including his clothes. - The new home includes modern furniture, household appliances and separate workspaces for Vysotskyi. - Vysotskyi said the apartment gives him the conditions to record lectures, teach children and students and make more videos. - Vysotskyi said he wants to give back by recording new lectures and helping more people fall in love with science.

Between the lines: - The move frames the donation as more than emergency aid; it is also a bet on rebuilding Ukraine’s academic and public-science voice after wartime losses. - The foundation is tying personal recovery to broader national recovery by backing a scientist whose work reaches both students and a wider online audience. - The timing, just about a month after the destruction, signals a fast-response charity effort rather than a long-term assistance program.

What's next: - Vysotskyi plans to resume educational work and return to his personal YouTube channel. - The new apartment and equipment are expected to let him restart science communication from Kyiv. - The foundation said the support is meant to help people whose work contributes to Ukraine’s development and intellectual potential. - Vysotskyi said he hopes to record more lectures and teach new material in the future.

The bottom line: - After a Russian strike wiped out his home and tools, Mykhailo Vysotskyi now has a furnished apartment and the equipment to restart his scientific work.