A Russian "Iskandar" ballistic missile strike in Chernihiv, Ukraine, killed two humanitarian workers and injured three others on Thursday, September 4, 2025. The attack targeted a Danish Refugee Council demining team engaged in humanitarian efforts in the region, according to Vyacheslav Chaus, the head of the Chernihiv regional administration.
Video footage shows humanitarian workers fleeing the scene near a checkpoint in Novoselivka immediately following the explosion. The Russian Defense Ministry falsely claimed that the strike was aimed at a "long-range drone unit," dismissing the incident"s implications for humanitarian operations in the area.
Dmytro Lubinets, a Ukrainian official, condemned the attack as a "cynical crime" against those dedicated to assisting civilians amid ongoing conflict. The injured team members are currently receiving medical care, as the humanitarian community grapples with the risks posed by military actions in regions reliant on aid.
This incident highlights the ongoing dangers faced by humanitarian workers in conflict zones, echoing similar situations reported elsewhere, including recent developments in the Middle East. As the conflict continues, the international community remains concerned about the safety of aid workers and the impact on humanitarian missions.