Casualties Among Rescue Workers in Ukraine's War
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion, 116 personnel from Ukraine's State Emergency Service (DSNS) have been killed, and 622 others have suffered injuries or wounds while on duty. Major General of Civil Protection Andriy Khyzhnyak provided these figures. In the Poltava region alone, three colleagues have been lost and 34 rescuers wounded.
The overall situation across Ukraine remains dire. As Andriy Khyzhnyak stated:
“Unfortunately, rescuers are not immortal. In the Poltava region, we lost three of our colleagues, and 34 were injured. Across Ukraine, 116 rescuers have died and 622 have been wounded.” – Andriy Khyzhnyak
These losses underscore the hazardous conditions faced by emergency workers who are directly involved in mitigating the consequences of military hostilities.
Notable Incidents and Specific Risks
Particular attention has been drawn to a case of a repeated strike that occurred on the night of May 5. Russian forces attacked a gas extraction facility in the Poltava region, killing four people. Among the deceased were two DSNS employees:
- Viktor Kuzmenko, a Hero of Ukraine and deputy head of the DSNS operational coordination center in Poltava
- Dmytro Skryl, a firefighter-rescuer with over 20 years of experience
During his leadership following a strike on Poltava in 2024, Viktor Kuzmenko saved 17 people and carried out more than 50 highly complex operations to deal with the aftermath of shelling.
Andriy Khyzhnyak also emphasized the danger of structural collapses in buildings damaged by enemy missiles or drones:
“Among the most common dangers are possible collapses of building structures hit by enemy missiles or drones. Unfortunately, in Ukraine, there have been cases where rescuers died due to building structure failures while fighting fires.” – Andriy Khyzhnyak
These events highlight the risks faced by rescuers performing their duties amid active warfare. The Russian army regularly employs a double-tap strike tactic, deliberately targeting locations where emergency services have already arrived. The situation remains tense, and rescuers continue to risk their lives while carrying out critical missions to save people and manage emergency situations.
This data underscores the serious dangers confronting Ukrainian rescuers in the line of duty. The loss of life and injuries among emergency workers point to the extreme conditions under which they operate, calling for greater attention to safety and support for emergency services. Given the persistent threats from the adversary, it is essential to ensure proper conditions for these rescuers, who bear the responsibility of saving lives in crisis situations.
The ongoing conflict has not only claimed the lives of emergency workers but also highlights the dangerous tactics employed by opposing forces. A recent report elaborates on how Russian military strategies, including the use of deadly double-tap strikes, specifically target rescuers, exacerbating the already perilous environment they operate within. Understanding these tactics is crucial to grasping the full extent of the risks faced by those on the front lines of emergency response.