Ukrainian Opera Singer Dies In Battlefield While On A Voluntary Mission In Sumy

JAKARTA - Ukrainian opera singer Vladislav Horay died while on a voluntary mission in the Sumy region, where frontline fighting for territory with Russia continues.

Horay is a soloist at Odesa National Opera, who in a statement said he was a "world-class tenor" and "Dear Ukrainian Artist," whose voice is known worldwide.

"Tragic news has rocked the entire Ukrainian art community," the opera building said in a post on Facebook on Sunday, according to CNN June 9.

"(Horay) is not just a talented player, it is an example of strength, dignity, and kindness in life," he continued.

The post did not mention how Horay died. According to a June 5 post on Facebook Horay, he is raising money for Ukrainian naval units.

Horay joined the Odesa National Academic Opera and Balet Theaters in 1993. He appeared in the US, UK, Canada and many other countries, according to his website.

He also toured England and appeared at the Royal Albert Hall, London.

His last appearance was only a day before he died, according to the Odesa opera building, which uploaded a video of Horay singing the song Neapolitan "O Sole Mio."

"Today, we share this video with you. This is not just a show. This is a farewell. This is the last concert. This is the last gift from a singer who lives for the stage and leaves part of her soul there," he said.

The Sumy region in the east where the opera building said Horay was killed has become a fierce battleground in the Russian-Ukraine war. Opera said he was there on a voluntary mission, but did not elaborate.

Russian troops in recent weeks have made gradual progress towards the region's capital, also known as Sumy.

Despite capturing the region's capital is likely beyond Moscow's plans, the move underscores the pressure Kyiv is experiencing, from the northern border to the Black Sea.