Deadly Attack on Gas Production Infrastructure in Poltava Region
In the early hours of May 5, Russian forces targeted a gas extraction facility in the Poltava region. After rescue teams arrived on the scene, a second strike hit, killing four people—two of whom were personnel from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES). The attack, carried out using missiles and drones, also left 8 people injured, along with 23 rescuers, three of whom are in serious condition.
Heavy Toll and Bravery of Rescue Workers
The loss of the two rescuers in Poltava is a devastating blow. Ihor Klymenko, a rescuer on site, stated:
'Last night, the enemy attacked a gas extraction site in the Poltava region. When SES units arrived and began tackling a massive fire, the enemy struck the responders with a missile. Tragically, two rescuers died from their injuries.' - Ihor Klymenko
This incident highlights deliberate attacks on those who save lives. Klymenko also emphasized: 'These are intentional strikes against life-savers. We are documenting every war crime committed by Russia. The enemy must be held accountable for killing Ukrainians.'
Notably, Viktor Kuzmenko, a Hero of Ukraine and deputy head of the operational-coordination center of SES in Poltava, rescued 17 people after a 2024 strike on Poltava. He has participated in over 50 operations to clear the aftermath of shelling. Additionally, Dmytro Skryl, a firefighter-rescuer, dedicated more than 20 years to the service.
The casualties and damage from the Poltava strike are severe:
- Four people died, including 2 rescuers and 2 civilians.
- The total number of injured quickly rose to 31.
- Significant infrastructure damage and widespread gas outages were reported in the Poltava district due to the strikes.
That same night, the enemy also attacked the Kyiv region, affecting residents of Brovary and Vyshhorod districts.
This attack underscores the ongoing war crimes targeting civilian infrastructure and emergency services in Ukraine. The deaths of the rescuers reflect the dangerous conditions they face, risking their own lives to save others. With rising casualties among civilians and rescue personnel, the international community continues to stress the need to hold those responsible for war crimes accountable. This incident may also shape the future strategies of Ukraine's civil protection forces as they operate under ongoing aggression.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in a series of distressing incidents across Ukraine. In light of the recent tragic events in the Poltava region, it is crucial to understand the broader implications of such attacks on emergency services. Similar rescue efforts have been reported in various cities following assaults, highlighting the relentless challenges faced by first responders. For more information on the current rescue operations in response to the attacks, you can read about the situation in other affected areas here.