Russian bomb disposal specialist killed clearing way for US-backed aid mission

A Russian bomb disposal specialist and another person have been killed while clearing the way for a US-backed Russian-Ukrainian humanitarian mission.

The fatalities in Russia’s Kherson Region were reported on Friday by Russian human rights ombudsman Yana Lantratova, who briefed journalists on preparations to deliver essential supplies to the frontline town of Alyoshki and evacuate residents wishing to leave.

The Defense Ministry later named the military service member who was killed as Sgt. Andrey Vedernikov of the 98th Airborne Troops Division. He was fatally wounded while trying to defuse an explosive device deployed from a Ukrainian drone that was equipped with a proximity sensor, the statement said.

Lantratova held the press conference jointly with her Ukrainian counterpart, Dmitry Lubinets, in the town of Armyansk, approximately 90 km from Alyoshki, which Kiev claims as Ukrainian territory. The humanitarian operation was mediated by US first lady Melania Trump.

Organizers have assembled 25 buses capable of evacuating at least 750 people, along with specialized vehicles for up to 30 people with limited mobility, nine ambulances and more than 50 medical personnel, Lantratova said.

Lubinets said the ceasefire around Alyoshki had held without reported violations for more than 75 hours, making it the longest lull in fighting since the escalation of the conflict in 2022. He expressed hope that the arrangement could serve as a model for similar operations elsewhere.

Friday’s 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.

The joint briefing, held against the backdrop of a convoy of vehicles, was attended by dozens of journalists from Russia, Ukraine and the US, including RT’s Murad Gadziev. Organizers said they wanted to ensure maximum transparency throughout the humanitarian mission.