Ukraine investigates deadly blast during anti-drone operation

Ukrainian law enforcement authorities have launched an investigation into the deaths of two servicemen and the injury of another following an ammunition explosion during efforts to repel a drone attack in the Khmelnytskyi region.

Kateryna Herasimuk, spokesperson for the Khmelnytskyi Regional Office of the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), confirmed the incident to Ukrinform.

“Employees of the Khmelnytskyi Regional Office of the State Bureau of Investigation have launched a pre-trial investigation into the deaths of the servicemen during the repulsion of a Russian attack,” Herasimuk said.

According to preliminary information, the incident occurred on May 27 at approximately 11:15 a.m. in one of the villages of the Dunaivtsi territorial community in the Kamianets-Podilskyi district of the Khmelnytskyi region.

“While the military was attempting to repel the attack using unmanned aerial systems, an interceptor drone’s munition exploded at the site of the combat mission. Two men were killed instantly at the scene, and another victim was hospitalized. His life is currently not in danger,” Herasimuk noted.

Investigators have seized remote controls and communication devices for forensic examinations as part of efforts to establish the causes of the sudden detonation.

“Preliminary classification of the offense: Part 3 of Article 414 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (Violation of rules for handling weapons, as well as substances and objects that pose an increased danger to the environment, resulting in the death of several people or other serious consequences),” the spokesperson added.

The Khmelnytskyi Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for the Western Region is overseeing the proceedings.

The incident comes amid continued security concerns related to drones and unexploded ordnance in Ukraine. Earlier, Ukrinform reported that two farmers in the Chernihiv region were killed after attempting to dismantle a drone they had discovered in a field.

By Vafa Guliyeva