Category: War in Ukraine

Meet One of Only Three Female Sappers in Ukraine’s State Emergency Service

Nov 03, 2025 15:19 Updated Nov 13, 2025 11:29

1 min read

Authors: Amira Barkhush
Reporter

Hanna Serhiienk, one of only three female sappers in Ukraine’s State Emergency Service, Kharkiv region, Ukraine, August 2025. Photo by Mykyta Shandyba, UNITED24 Media.

Anti-personnel mines, booby traps, and tripwires are discovered daily across territories liberated from Russian occupation. Learn how Ukraine’s deminers are working to clear these hidden threats and reclaim the land.

In the scorching heat of late August, a demining crew scans a field in the Kharkiv region, searching for deadly remnants of Russia’s invasion. Among the team is Hanna Serhiienko, one of only three female sappers in SESU .

Despite the physical exertion, emotional stress, and the challenges of working in a predominantly male field, Hanna seems confident in her role.

“My main motivation is, first and foremost, my son, who is proud of me. And also the fact that I am helping my country and the people who later return to their homes,” she said.

“Because the most important thing is that we see the results of clearing a territory—how people come back to their houses. That’s the greatest motivation of all.”

The UNITED24 Media team visited the Kharkiv region to meet the crew. Watch our report on Hanna’s work and the challenges she faces.