Two Zaporizhzhia police majors die after drone hit
Both officers were injured in a Russian UAV strike on 1 November and passed away on 4 November, bringing the confirmed death toll in Komyshuvakha to 40.
By Harper Collins ·
Two police officers who were seriously wounded in a drone attack near Komyshuvakha on 1 November have died. Artem Kysko, the head of the National Police in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, confirmed that Oleh Dubetskyi and Serhii Berezhko passed away on 4 November.
Both men held the rank of police major and served at the Polohy District Police Department in Orikhiv. Dubetskyi led the duty unit at Police Station No. 4, while Berezhko worked as a deputy head focusing on preventive policing. They sustained serious injuries when a Russian unmanned aerial vehicle struck their police vehicle near Komyshuvakha. Medical staff treated them for several days, but both officers died on 4 November.
Kysko noted that the two men dedicated more than 20 years to police service. He described their careers as involving demanding work, numerous assignments, and a responsibility for the lives of people. Kysko said, "Words cannot convey the pain of this loss. Another void in our police family."
The deaths add to the toll from the attack on Komyshuvakha on 2 November. On that date, Russian forces used guided aerial bombs to strike a school while humanitarian aid was being distributed. A second wave of bombing followed the initial impact. According to Kysko, nine bombs hit a shelter where residents had taken refuge. Local police and State Emergency Service personnel had arrived at the scene to assist the affected population when the second strike occurred.
Bodycam footage from a police officer captured the moments before the second explosion. The video shows officers in the ruins of the school advising people to enter the shelter to avoid targeting by FPV drones. Reports of incoming guided aerial bombs prompted everyone to rush inside. A loud explosion followed shortly after, and the footage ended abruptly.
As of 4 November, authorities have confirmed 40 deaths in Komyshuvakha. The list of the dead includes police officers and rescue workers. Approximately 30 local residents may remain trapped under the rubble. Search and rescue operations are currently ongoing.
