Volunteer Dies in Landmine Explosion While Recovering Bodies
Ukraine held a funeral service in Kyiv for volunteer Oleksiy Yukov, who died at age 40 in a landmine explosion while recovering the bodies of fallen soldiers and civilians. Yukov, known as a "collector of souls," founded the organization Platsdarm…
Philadelphia, PA, August 8, 2026 —
A funeral service was held in Kyiv for Oleksiy Yukov, a 40-year-old volunteer who died in a landmine explosion. Yukov was engaged in recovering the bodies of fallen soldiers and civilians at the time of his death.
Known by the moniker “collector of souls,” Yukov dedicated his life to ensuring proper burials for all the deceased. He founded the organization Platsdarm to further this mission, which he had pursued for more than two decades. His commitment to this cause was evident even after he sustained severe injuries in a prior mine blast.
The circumstances surrounding the landmine explosion that claimed Yukov’s life are currently under investigation. The area where the incident occurred is known to be heavily mined, posing significant risks to recovery efforts.
Platsdarm continues its work under the guidance of its established principles, aiming to provide dignity to the fallen. The organization’s efforts are crucial in a conflict zone where the recovery of human remains is a complex and dangerous undertaking.
Yukov’s dedication to recovering and properly burying the dead highlights the profound human toll of the ongoing conflict. His work provided a measure of closure for families and ensured that fallen soldiers and civilians were not left unburied.
Story summarized from the original created by VOLODYMYR YURCHUK and EFREM LUKATSKY on www.inquirer.com, see more information here.
