Two expert deminers, Oleksandr Kovalchuk and Denys Sydorych, died in Ukraine in the explosion of a Russian ordnance. The incident occurred on October 28 in the Shostka district, Sumy region, during clearance operations. Members of the Ukrainian Civil Protection Service (SES), they were clearing the area, as reported by Ukrainska Pravda, citing the SES.

Oleksandr Kovalchuk, SES major and chief deminer, died on the spot. Denys Sydorych, sergeant major and clearance operator, was transported to the hospital, but his life could not be saved. The explosion caused the death of both professionals.

Kovalchuk, 32, had over fifteen years of service in the SES as a deminer. Sydorych was 39 years old. Their experience was crucial for the clearance of unexploded ordnance, a priority activity for community safety. Their sacrifice underlines the constant dangers of the profession.

Both deminers leave behind their respective families. Oleksandr had a wife, a four-year-old son, and parents. Denys leaves behind a wife, an eight-year-old son, and parents. The SES expressed deep condolences, highlighting the severe daily risk faced by those clearing Ukrainian territory.