Two senior officers of the National Police of Ukraine’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Department have died while clearing explosive hazards in liberated territories of the Kharkiv region. As reported by the National Police of Ukraine, 39-year-old Police Colonel Maksym Movchan and 41-year-old Police Lieutenant Colonel Anatolii Radkovskyi lost their lives while performing their official duties. Their deaths serve as a harrowing reminder of the lethal dangers that Ukrainian specialists face daily while demining land littered with Russian munitions.
The incident occurred on July 20th when an explosive object detonated, resulting in fatal injuries for both officers. Colonel Movchan, a legal scholar from Vinnytsia, had been previously decorated for his defense of Ukraine during the 2022 invasion. Lieutenant Colonel Radkovskyi, who hailed from Horlivka, spent over two decades in law enforcement, having served in the most critical areas, including the Kyiv and Kherson regions, since the start of the full-scale war. Their expertise in managing robotic equipment and specialized explosives made them invaluable members of the unit.
The challenge of demining Ukraine is monumental, as the Russian military has deliberately contaminated massive areas with mines, booby traps, and unexploded ordnance. This makes the return of civilian life, infrastructure repair, and agricultural activity incredibly perilous. The work of EOD specialists is a high-stakes race against time, where a single error can be fatal, yet they continue this essential service to prevent future casualties among the civilian population.
The loss of such highly skilled and dedicated officers is a significant blow to the service. Their professional legacy and commitment to safety reflect the spirit of those defending Ukraine’s future from the remnants of occupation. As Ukraine continues its arduous task of clearing its territory, the sacrifice of these two men stands as a testament to the high price of national security and the ongoing fight to reclaim a peaceful land. May their memory serve as an inspiration to all those working to secure a safer future for Ukraine.