Targeted Tragedy: Russian Airstrike Claims Lives of Danish Deminers in Ukraine

A Russian airstrike in northern Ukraine on Thursday resulted in the deaths of two members of the Danish Refugee Council, who were engaged in mine clearance in an area that had previously been under Moscow’s control, according to Vyacheslav Chaus, the regional governor of Chernihiv.

The attack occurred near the outskirts of Chernihiv, which is located 125 kilometers (80 miles) north of Kyiv.

Experts indicate that Ukraine holds the grim title of the most mined nation in the world, with demining teams actively working in the northern, southern, and eastern regions where Ukraine has reclaimed territory lost to Russia at the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022.

Chaus stated on social media, “The Russians intentionally targeted personnel from the humanitarian demining operation of the Danish Refugee Council… Two individuals have been confirmed dead.”

He further noted, “Initially, the Russians filled the area with explosives and mines. Now they are taking lives—civilians who brave danger to clear our land,” Chaus added.

He reported that three other individuals were injured in the incident.

At the onset of the war, Russian forces had encircled the city after advancing from Belarus, which is a close ally of Moscow, situated just 50 kilometers (31 miles) away.