Two police officers injured in drone attack near Komyshuvakha die in hospital

On 1 November, a Russian drone struck a police vehicle near Komyshuvakha in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, seriously injuring two police officers, Oleh Dubetskyi and Serhii Berezhko. Despite doctors' efforts, both officers have subsequently died.

Source: Artem Kysko, Head of the National Police in Zaporizhzhia Oblast

Details: Both officers held the rank of police major and worked together at the Polohy District Police Department in Orikhiv. Oleh Dubetskyi served as head of the duty unit at Police Station No. 4, while Serhii Berezhko was deputy head responsible for preventive policing.

On 1 November, the officers sustained serious injuries when a Russian UAV struck their police vehicle near Komyshuvakha. They were taken to hospital, where they remained for the next few days. However, both officers died on 4 November.

Quote from Kysko: "Oleh and Serhii devoted more than two decades of their lives to police service. Those were years of demanding work, dozens of assignments carried out, responsibility for people's lives and dedication to their country.

Words cannot convey the pain of this loss. Another void in our police family. Two more lives cut short by Russian aggression. Two more colleagues we will never see again, but whose memory will remain with us forever."

Background:

• On 2 November, Russian forces attacked a school in Komyshuvakha with guided aerial bombs while humanitarian aid was being distributed there. A second strike followed the first, with nine bombs hitting a shelter where people had taken refuge.
• By that time, local residents, police officers and State Emergency Service personnel had arrived at the scene to help those affected.
• Bodycam footage from one of the police officers showed the final moments before the second strike. While searching the ruins of the school, officers advised people to go down into the shelter to avoid being targeted by FPV drones. Shortly afterwards, reports came in that another wave of guided aerial bombs had been launched, prompting everyone to rush into the shelter. A loud explosion was heard some time later, and the footage abruptly cut off.
• As of 4 November, 40 people were confirmed killed in Komyshuvakha, including police officers and rescue workers. Another 30 local residents may still be trapped under the rubble. Search and rescue operations are ongoing.

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