MYKOLAIV, UKRAINE — Oleksiy Vadatursky, the owner and chief executive officer of Nibulon, one of Ukraine’s largest agricultural companies, was killed on July 31 in his home during a bombing of Mykolaiv, a city in the country’s southern region, by Russian forces, company officials said.

His wife, Raisa Vadatursky, who was with him in their home, also was killed.

Vadatursky, 74, founded Nibulon in 1991 and oversaw the company’s growth into a major player in the international grain industry. Nibulon specializes in the production and export of wheat, barley and corn. It is the only Ukrainian agricultural company with its own fleet and shipyard.

His death occurred just nine days after an agreement was signed by Russia and Ukraine that would allow grain to be shipped out of Ukrainian ports, which had been blockaded by the Russians since their invasion began on Feb. 24. It remains unclear whether Vadatursky was intentionally targeted by the Russians.

In recent years prior to the war, Nibulon was exporting nearly 1 million tonnes of grain per year.

Vadatursky, who also was vice-president of the Ukrainian Grain Association, was recognized as a Hero of Ukraine, the highest honor a citizen of the country can receive.

Nibulon paid tribute to its fallen leader with a statement on its website.

“As a true hero and patriot of Ukraine, Oleksiy Vadatursky stayed in his native Mykolaiv and helped the city during the war,” Nibulon said. “He always believed in Ukraine and made his effort to develop the country. He repeatedly proved that any idea that matters to society and Ukraine, if you fight for it, will be implemented.