Ukrainian firefighter killed by Russian FPV drone strike while off duty

A Ukrainian firefighter and rescue worker has been killed in a Russian FPV drone attack in the city of Marhanets, Dnipropetrovsk region.

Yevhen Konovalov, a sergeant in the civil protection service and firefighter-rescuer with the Main Directorate of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES) in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, died after being struck by a Russian FPV drone while off duty. He sustained severe injuries incompatible with life.

The State Emergency Service of Ukraine announced the tragedy on October 1, 2026. SES head Andrii Danik expressed condolences to Konovalov’s family and colleagues, stating: “Every such loss is a pain felt not only by his loved ones. It is an empty space amongst colleagues, a silence where just yesterday a comrade’s voice rang out, and a memory that will remain forever with those who worked alongside him. My sincere condolences to Yevhen’s family and loved ones. May the rescuer’s memory live on!”

Konovalov had dedicated more than 20 years to service with the SES, during which he saved lives, worked alongside colleagues, and carried out his duties daily.

Marhanets and the surrounding Nikopol district in Dnipropetrovsk region have faced repeated Russian attacks, including drone strikes. The SES post mourning Konovalov featured a formal portrait of the rescuer in uniform with a candle, paying tribute to his memory.