A Russian assault in southern Ukraine has killed two civilian demining workers and left a third seriously injured, Ukrainian officials confirmed on Friday. The attack underscores the continuing peril for humanitarian operations in frontline regions.
The strike hit near the village of Levadne in the Zaporizhzhia region, an area that has seen intense fighting since the early stages of the invasion. The victims were part of a dedicated team working to clear landmines and unexploded ordnance, a critical task for civilian safety.
Mounting Casualties in the South
Regional governor, Ivan Fedorov, reported that the attack occurred during the team's demining operations. The third worker sustained severe shrapnel wounds and was rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Their current condition remains serious.
This incident is not isolated. Fedorov highlighted a disturbing trend, noting that Russian forces have launched over 650 attacks across the Zaporizhzhia region in just the past 24 hours. This relentless assault employs a mix of artillery, drones, and aircraft, creating a deadly environment for soldiers and civilians alike.
A Pattern of Attacks on Recovery Efforts
The targeting of demining teams presents a severe setback for post-conflict recovery and civilian resettlement. These teams are essential for making farmland, roads, and residential areas safe again for the thousands of displaced Ukrainians hoping to return home.
This attack follows a similar tragic event in the neighbouring Kherson region last month, where another demining worker lost their life. The repeated targeting of these crucial humanitarian missions has drawn condemnation from Ukrainian authorities and international observers.
As the conflict grinds on, the work of clearing the vast contamination of explosives left by retreating forces becomes ever more dangerous, yet increasingly vital for Ukraine's future.
