Ukrainian Orthodox priest undergoes brain surgery after drone strike

Konstantinovka, Donetsk Province, Ukraine, October 3, 2025

Photo: ​Facebook Photo: ​Facebook     

Fr. Igor Kozlov, a priest of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church serving in Konstantinovka, Donetsk Province, is in critical condition following a drone attack on Saturday as he was returning from church services.

A Russian drone struck Fr. Igor’s vehicle, causing it to catch fire. The priest miraculously survived but sustained severe injuries including traumatic brain injury, skull fractures, limb and chest wounds, and burns, reports His Eminence Archbishop Jonah of Obukhov.

Photo: Facebook Photo: Facebook Fr. Igor underwent brain surgery and remains in stable but critical condition. He is conscious, able to understand and speak, though he has experienced partial memory loss.

Plans are underway to transport him to a specialized hospital in Kiev or Dnipro when his condition permits. The family requires 50,000 hryvnia ($1,210) for immediate medical expenses. Donations can be offered to Fr. Igor online.

Fr. Igor has served for years in frontline churches, remaining with his parishioners in Konstantinovka and the village of Poltavka, helping people evacuate. He and his wife Anna have an 8-year-old daughter.

Prayers are requested for Fr. Igor’s recovery and healing.

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10/3/2025

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