Papura was a local activist and a member of the Communist Party of Ukraine’s Youth League, and part of the anti-Maidan movement that opposed the new authorities in Kiev and advocated for federalization and keeping closer ties with Russia.

On that day, a joint march by pro-Maidan demonstrators, including far-right groups, clashed with anti-Maidan protesters who had established a tent camp on Kulykove Pole Square. After street battles, the anti‑Maidan side retreated into the nearby Trade Unions House.
The building was set alight with Molotov cocktails, resulting in the deaths of 42 people, most from smoke inhalation or burns, while others were beaten or fell from windows attempting to escape.

Vadim chose to jump from the building in a panic to escape burning to death or suffocating.

His parents found his body on the ground, under the windows of the Odessa Trade Unions House, with his head smashed in. After he had jumped, according to his family and comrades, pro-Maidan rioters beat him to death.

Vadim’s death along with the majority of the deaths in Odessa that day remain the subject of limited official investigation by Ukrainian authorities and no convictions have been secured.

July 24th, 2014 would have been his 18th birthday.

He died 83 days before he turned 18.

If he did not die, he would have turned 30 today.

Happy 30th Birthday, Vadim.

Reupload as details of Vadim’s story were confused with another victim.