The Norwegian humanitarian organization Norwegian People's Aid (NPA) has suspended its demining operations in Ukraine following a russian attack on the NPA building in the Kherson Region, which killed two staff members and injured four others.
This is indicated in a statement from the organization.
It states that the attack took place in the Kherson Region at approximately 12:50 p.m. on June 24. Both the deceased and the injured are Ukrainian citizens.
"Following the attack, Norwegian People's Aid immediately suspended all ongoing demining operations in the country to protect its staff. The country programme is working at full capacity on crisis response, as well as follow‑up and care for colleagues,” the statement reads.
According to the latest available information, the death of one staff member was confirmed at the scene, while another was taken to the hospital in critical condition, where he later died from his injuries.
In addition, four staff members sustained moderate injuries, but their lives are not currently in danger. All received immediate medical attention, and the injured are currently undergoing treatment at the hospital. All immediate family members have been notified of the tragedy.
According to Kherson authorities, the NPA building was struck by a russian “Iskander-M” missile. The organization is still working to verify this information and determine the exact circumstances of the attack.
“This attack shows how dangerous it is to be a humanitarian worker in war and conflict. It is unfortunately part of a deeply worrying trend: humanitarian organizations like ours are protected under international law, yet are being targeted more and more frequently. Ultimately, this impacts the civilian population who depends on our assistance,” says Secretary General Raymond Johansen.
He added that the top priority right now is caring for the wounded and other staff members of the organization, both in Ukraine and back home.
It is noted that the NPA has been implementing a program in Ukraine since 2022 and is one of the ten largest humanitarian partners in the country. The organization carries out rescue operations involving demining and the disposal of explosive remnants of war, ensures the protection and preparedness of the civilian population for conflicts, works on food security, and makes efforts to prevent and combat sexual and gender-based violence. Norwegian People’s Aid has 475 staff members in Ukraine.
As a reminder, authorities reported that russian terrorist forces shelled the Vysokopillia community, resulting in the fatal wounding of a 24-year-old employee of the international humanitarian organization Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA).
As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, in 2026, the Demining Coalition will provide Ukraine with specialized equipment and machinery worth a total of EUR 205 million.
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