Water-Related Fatalities in Ukraine for 2026
Since the start of 2026, 22 people, including one child, have died on Ukrainian bodies of water. According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES), 15 people, four of them children, have been rescued. This data highlights the persistent danger of venturing onto ice, particularly on reservoirs near hydroelectric power stations (HPS).
While this year's death toll of 22 is lower than the 56 fatalities recorded in the same period last year, the majority of incidents still occur on rivers. The frigid winter conditions common in the region mean emergency response times are critical, and delays can be fatal.
SES and Ukrhydroenergo Issue Safety Warnings
Officials from the SES and Ukrhydroenergo have issued strong warnings about the dangers of walking or driving on ice. Bohdan Sukhetskyi emphasized that no ice is truly safe, as the ice covering HPS and pumped storage power plant (PSPP) reservoirs is especially hazardous. Constant water level changes erode the ice from below, creating a porous and brittle layer that may appear solid. The ice thickness is often uneven, leading to sudden collapses under a person's or vehicle's weight.
"There is no such thing as safe ice."
Bohdan Sukhetskyi
Oleksandr Tumanov stressed the importance of personal responsibility for safety. He urged citizens to consider whether recreational activities on ice are worth risking their lives, as self-rescue under such conditions is nearly impossible. The shock of falling into freezing water drastically reduces the window for a successful rescue.
A concerning trend in 2026 is the increasing use of frozen reservoirs for mass gatherings, which alarms rescue services. They continue to urge the public to follow all water safety guidelines to prevent further tragedies.
This situation underscores the need for ongoing public education about the dangers of winter ice. Despite the year-on-year decrease in fatalities, rescuers insist that safety rules must be followed. Citizens must be aware of the risks and exercise caution to prevent new tragedies on the water.