Sappers Oleksandr Kovalchuk and Denys Sydorych killed during humanitarian demining in Sumy region – SES. PHOTO
In the Sumy region, sappers from the "Sumy" Mobile Rapid Response Rescue Center of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES) were killed during humanitarian demining: Major of the Civil Protection Service Oleksandr Kovalchuk, head of the mechanized demining group, and Master Sergeant of the Civil Protection Service Denys Sydorych, a sapper-operator.
This was reported by SES head Andrii Danyk, according to Censor.NET.
What is known
A Russian munition reportedly detonated while an explosive ordnance disposal team was working in the Shostka area. One sapper was killed at the scene, while the other was taken to hospital in critical condition but could not be saved.
Oleksandr Kovalchuk
Oleksandr was 32 years old. He devoted more than 15 of those years to service in the SES. He progressed from a cadet at the Faculty of Civil Protection to head of the mechanized demining group. Behind that journey lay years of study, experience, responsibility and daily work on which people’s safety depends.
Oleksandr’s wife, 4-year-old son and parents were waiting for him at home.
Denys Sydorych
Denys was 39 years old. He joined the SES in 2022, at the start of the full-scale invasion. At the most difficult time for the country, he chose to serve, became a sapper-operator and performed work that demanded resilience, knowledge and courage every day.
Denys’s wife, 8-year-old son and parents were waiting for him at home.
As the SES head explained, Oleksandr and Denys came to the service through different paths and at different times. But they were united by what mattered most: dedication to their work, responsibility for the lives of others and a willingness to perform their duty wherever needed. They died while working to clear Ukrainian land of deadly Russian weapons.
"This loss is felt not only by their loved ones but also by our entire extended SES family. We have lost colleagues, brothers-in-arms, people with whom we served, shared responsibility, and worked for a common cause.
On behalf of all rescue workers, I extend my sincere condolences to the families of Oleksandr and Denys. No words can ease your pain. We mourn with you and share your pain. May the memory of Oleksandr Kovalchuk and Denys Sydorych be cherished. Thank you for your service. For everything you have done for the people and for Ukraine. I bow my head in respect!" Danyk emphasized.
