Project HOPE Mourns the Death of Dr. Olga Yakovlieva After Russian Drone Strikes Medical Vehicle in Ukraine

Project HOPE is deeply saddened to confirm the death of Dr. Olga Yakovlieva, following a Russian attack on a medical service vehicle in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, on August 8, 2025. Dr. Yakovlieva was a beloved family physician and Acting Director of the Kostiantynivka Primary Health Care Center (PHCC), a Project HOPE partner facility that provided daily medical care for local residents near the front line.

The clearly marked medical vehicle bearing red crosses and hospital markings was struck by an FPV “kamikaze” drone while transporting staff home from work. Dr. Yakovlieva died at the scene and three other PHCC employees sustained injuries. The driver underwent surgery and remains hospitalized in the neurological department; the other two health workers were treated and discharged. 

“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Dr. Olga Yakovlieva, yet another Ukrainian health worker killed in the line of duty by Russia,” said Rabih Torbay, Project HOPE’s CEO & President. “As President Trump prepares to meet with President Putin in Alaska this week, we urge him to defend the sanctity of health care by condemning Russia’s deliberate targeting of health workers, ambulances, and health facilities – actions that are not only morally corrupt but are flagrant violations of International Humanitarian Law.” 

Our team extends sincere condolences to Olga’s family, colleagues, and patients. This loss once again underscores the risks that health workers face every day in frontline areas and comes less than a month after a similar attack on a Project HOPE-supported ambulance in Kharkiv.  

As immediate follow-up, Project HOPE will conduct additional security briefings to reinforce safe responses during shelling and drone incidents and will assess ongoing operations in affected areas. 

For media inquiries, please contact: media@projecthope.org.