Russian forces struck a humanitarian demining team near Chernihiv on Thursday, killing two Ukrainian workers and injuring five others, local authorities and the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) confirmed.

The DRC said in a statement: “At the time of the incident, DRC teams were conducting purely civilian humanitarian activities—working to clear landmines and explosive remnants of war in order to protect communities and enable safe access to essential infrastructure, farmland, and homes.” 

The attack targeted civilians conducting life-saving demining operations in the Kyselivska community of Chernihiv, a border region in northern Ukraine.

The organization described the strike as a “serious violation of International Humanitarian Law” and emphasized that humanitarian workers must never be targeted.

Chernihiv Regional State Administration head Viacheslav Chaus described the strike as “a deadly Russian hit on civilians.” 

“First they littered the region with explosives and mines; now they are killing people who risk their lives clearing our land from the consequences of Russia’s invasion,” he added.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Luke Rasmussen condemned the attack, calling it “yet another proof that Putin has no intention of ending his illegal war of aggression.”

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas added: “The death of aid workers employed by Danish Refugee Council in a missile strike underscores the brutality of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Attacks on humanitarian missions are a grave violation of international law. The EU will keep supporting Ukraine and will hold those responsible accountable.”

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos also spoke out: “Striking a humanitarian demining team near Chernihiv, killing two and injuring five, is yet another brutal attack by Russia against civilian targets in Ukraine. It is a deliberate attack on peace and recovery.”

This strike follows previous attacks on humanitarian teams in Ukraine, highlighting the dual danger from unexploded ordnance and targeted missile strikes in frontline areas.

Humanitarian workers like those with the DRC are critical to recovery in regions affected by Russia’s ongoing aggression. Their work prevents further civilian casualties and restores safe access to farmland, infrastructure, and homes, even amid repeated threats from aerial attacks and mines.