On Thursday, a Russian airstrike in northern Ukraine resulted in the deaths of two members of the Danish Refugee Council who were engaged in mine clearance in an area previously under Russian control, according to Vyacheslav Chaus, the regional governor of Chernihiv.

The attack occurred near the outskirts of Chernihiv, which is situated 125 kilometers (80 miles) north of Kyiv.

According to experts, Ukraine is currently the most densely mined country in the world, with mine clearance teams operating in the north, south, and east, where Ukraine has regained territories occupied by Russia at the onset of the large-scale invasion in 2022.

Chaus stated on social media, “The Russians intentionally targeted the personnel involved in the humanitarian demining efforts of the Danish Refugee Council; two individuals have been confirmed dead.”

He further expressed, “Initially, the Russians contaminated the area with explosives and mines. Now they are taking the lives of civilians who are bravely working to clear our land.”

Additionally, he reported that three other people sustained injuries in the strike.

At the beginning of the conflict, Russian forces encircled the city, having launched their invasion from Belarus, a country allied with Moscow, located just 50 kilometers (31 miles) away.