Ukraine is mourning Oleksiy Yukov, known as the 'collector of souls,' who spent two decades recovering the bodies of soldiers before being killed by a landmine during a recovery mission, according to NPR.
Key facts
- Oleksiy Yukov spent two decades recovering the bodies of soldiers, according to NPR.
- The bodies he recovered included many Russians, according to NPR.
- He was killed during a recovery mission after stepping on a landmine, according to NPR.
- NPR reported Ukraine is mourning him in coverage published on 8 August 2026.
Ukraine is mourning Oleksiy Yukov, a man known as the ‘collector of souls,’ who was killed during a recovery mission after stepping on a landmine, according to NPR.
Yukov spent two decades recovering the bodies of soldiers, NPR reported.
The bodies Yukov recovered included many Russians, according to NPR.
NPR published its reporting on his death on 8 August 2026.
Why it matters
Yukov's death reflects the risks faced by those who recover war dead. Further details about his work and the circumstances of his death were not provided in the available reporting.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Oleksiy Yukov?
According to NPR, Oleksiy Yukov was known as the 'collector of souls' and spent two decades recovering the bodies of soldiers, including many Russians.
How did Oleksiy Yukov die?
NPR reports that he was killed during a recovery mission after stepping on a landmine.
Whose bodies did he recover?
He recovered the bodies of soldiers over two decades, and according to NPR these included many Russians.