An explosion in Kherson claimed the lives of a soldier and a journalist

In Kherson, Volodymyr Obertas, a soldier and journalist originally from Oleshky, was killed in an explosion; he had served as a press officer for the 34th Separate Marine Brigade. Before the full-scale invasion, he worked as a videographer and photographer, and after the war began, he joined the Ukrainian Defense Forces. 

  Dmytro Voronov, mayor ofOleshky from 2015 to 2020, announcedthe death of his fellow townsman.

According to him, Volodymyr Obertas died on October 27 as a result of a sudden explosion on Yevropeiska Street in Kherson. Before Russia’s full-scale invasion, Obertas worked as a videographer and photographer, notably at the city council’s press center. He filmed city festivals, kindergarten events, school activities, weddings, and community events. His videos were posted on YouTube, where local residents eagerly awaited them.

Dmytro Voronov called Obertas a talented photographer and videographer and said that Obertas had taught him the basics of video editing. Together, they chose camera angles and determined what to focus the viewer’s attention on.

After the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, Volodymyr joined the Ukrainian Defense Forces. At first, he operated drones in Kherson, and later transferred to the public relations unit.

At the time of his death, Obertas was helping journalists do their work. According to Voronov, for the people of Oleshky, he was the person who documented the life of the city. Today, Oleshky remains under Russian occupation.

Анна Літман