Explosives expert killed by Russian drone strike in Donetsk region

An explosives expert, Artur Horelov, was killed in the settlement of Bilenke in the Donetsk region as a result of a Russian drone strike.

According to Ukrinform, the National Police office in the Donetsk region reported this on Telegram on March 4.

"On March 3, during demining operations in the settlement of Bilenke, a police officer was attacked by an enemy FPV drone," the statement said.

Police Major Artur Horelov served as a senior inspector with the explosives disposal service of the Main Directorate of the National Police in the Donetsk region. He was supposed to celebrate his 35th birthday today, but will forever remain 34.

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Police said the fallen officer was originally from the city of Donetsk and devoted nearly 17 years to service in the Interior Ministry system.

Horelov began his career in Donetsk as a district police officer. In 2014, he moved to Mariupol, where he served in various units, from personnel support to a special-purpose police company. In 2024, he joined the explosives disposal service.

"For nearly two years, risking his life, Artur responded to sites of shelling, neutralized explosive hazards and documented Russian crimes against civilians. He served Ukraine faithfully and gave the most valuable thing – his own life – to save others. He was his parents' only son," law enforcement officials said, expressing deep condolences to his family and loved ones.