Russia's Repeated Strike Strategy
A dangerous pattern of repeated attacks by Russian forces is putting Ukrainian emergency workers and civilians at grave risk, according to Andriy Khyshniak, head of the State Emergency Service (DSNS) in Poltava region. He explained that after an initial hit, the enemy may wait a certain period before launching a second attack, making rescue operations extremely hazardous.
A devastating example of this double-strike tactic occurred on May 5. During an assault on a gas extraction facility in Poltava region, rescuers Viktor Kuzmenko and Dmytro Skryl were killed, and 24 of their colleagues sustained injuries. The follow-up strike on May 5 was carried out with Iskander missiles armed with cluster munitions, a treacherous move by the aggressor. Khyshniak noted that
“they can wait one or two hours and then strike again”and stressed that
“after a facility is hit by enemy drones or missiles, our emergency workers go to the site and stay at a safe distance for a certain time, and only after the all-clear signal do they begin clearing the aftermath of the strike”.
Losses and Professionalism of Rescuers
Viktor Kuzmenko, a Hero of Ukraine and deputy head of the DSNS operational coordination center in Poltava region, personally led the rescue of 17 people following a strike on Poltava in 2024. He had completed over 50 operations to deal with the consequences of shelling. Dmytro Skryl, a firefighter-rescuer, had dedicated more than 20 years to service, and his death, along with Kuzmenko's, represents a profound loss for the DSNS team.
Khyshniak also highlighted that
“regarding critical infrastructure and industrial facilities, we apply appropriate tactics and constantly adjust them so that the enemy, by analyzing our experience, cannot use it against us”. These repeated strikes endanger rescuers' lives and demand a high level of readiness and professionalism from them.
This situation underscores the extreme danger and complexity Ukrainian rescuers face amid active combat. The enemy's use of double-tap tactics not only increases risks to life but also complicates the process of mitigating attack consequences. It requires constant adaptation of response strategies and ongoing training to maintain the effectiveness of emergency services.
The ongoing danger faced by Ukrainian emergency personnel is underscored by recent statistics indicating a significant rise in Russian attacks targeting these vital responders. The year 2025 has seen unprecedented levels of aggression, further complicating rescue operations and endangering lives. Understanding the broader context of these attacks is crucial for grasping the full impact on emergency services in Ukraine.