Personnel Situation in the Poltava Region State Emergency Service
While there is no shortage of firefighters, the Poltava region's State Emergency Service (SES) faces a critical lack of specialized professionals, particularly pyrotechnicians and engineers, according to Andriy Khizhnyak, head of the regional SES main directorate. The overall staffing gap across the SES system stands at approximately 5%. Notably, since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, 116 rescuers have been killed and 622 wounded while on duty.
Khizhnyak, who holds the rank of Major General of Civil Protection Service, explained that firefighter positions remain well-staffed due to strong public trust in the SES, which attracts young recruits.
'There are specific professions, for example, pyrotechnicians or engineers who operate specialized equipment like various types of bulldozers—these specialists are few and far between. Very few people have the necessary education and are willing to take these jobs with us. But for firefighter positions, there is currently no deficit,' Khizhnyak stated.
Women in the Civil Protection Service
Women also serve within the SES system. Among them are Yulia Dondokha, head of the fire and rescue post in the village of Semenivka, and Olha Kuzina, deputy head of the fire equipment group in the unit servicing oil and gas complex facilities. Khizhnyak emphasized that
'our work is truly male-oriented, requiring physical strength and endurance. But there are women who lead units and divisions.'These women take part in rescue operations and command men at fire scenes.
According to available data, since the full-scale Russian invasion began, SES personnel losses have been substantial, with 116 rescuers killed and 622 injured. This situation demands heightened attention to recruitment and training, especially in specialized fields.
The shortage of narrowly specialized experts within the SES underscores the need for targeted training and workforce development, as the growing threat from military operations raises the bar for rescuer professionalism. The loss of a significant number of rescuers jeopardizes the effectiveness of emergency response, which is particularly critical during wartime. This highlights the necessity of a strategic approach to personnel selection and the cultivation of specialized roles within the civil protection service.
The ongoing challenges within the State Emergency Service, particularly the shortage of pyrotechnicians and engineers, have raised questions about the overall compensation for emergency workers. Understanding the financial incentives and salary structures for firefighters in Ukraine can provide context to the staffing issues faced by the SES. For a detailed look at what emergency responders earn and how it impacts recruitment, explore our article on firefighter salaries in Ukraine in 2026.