Two Zaporizhzhia police majors killed after drone strike days earlier
Oleh Dubetskyi and Serhii Berezhko died on 4 November from injuries sustained when a Russian drone hit their vehicle near Komyshuvakha on 1 November.
By Matthew Collins ·
Oleh Dubetskyi and Serhii Berezhko died on 4 November from injuries they sustained four days prior. The two police officers were struck by a Russian drone while operating a police vehicle near Komyshuvakha in Zaporizhzhia Oblast on 1 November. Artem Kysko, head of the National Police in the region, confirmed the deaths. He stated that both men held the rank of police major.
The officers worked together at the Polohy District Police Department in Orikhiv. Dubetskyi led the duty unit at Police Station No. 4. Berezhko served as the deputy head responsible for preventive policing. Their deaths add to the casualties from the ongoing conflict in the area.
Following the drone strike on 1 November, doctors transported the injured men to a hospital. They remained under care for several days. Kysko noted that the pair devoted more than two decades of their lives to police service. He described their careers as demanding, involving dozens of assignments and responsibility for people's lives.
The drone attack occurred just before a series of strikes on Komyshuvakha. On 2 November, Russian forces attacked a local school with guided aerial bombs. At that time, humanitarian aid was being distributed inside the building. A second strike followed the first. Nine bombs hit a shelter where people had taken refuge.
Local residents, police officers, and State Emergency Service personnel arrived at the scene to assist. Bodycam footage from one officer captured the moments before the second strike. The video showed officers advising people to move into the shelter to avoid FPV drones. Reports of another wave of guided aerial bombs prompted everyone to rush inside. A loud explosion was recorded before the footage cut off.
As of 4 November, authorities confirmed 40 people were killed in Komyshuvakha. The death toll included police officers and rescue workers. Approximately 30 local residents may still be trapped under the rubble. Search and rescue operations continue at the site.
