Five Ukrainian Rescuers Killed in Kharkiv by Russian Guided Bombs

Deadly Strike on Kharkiv

According to Главком: On June 21, 2024, Russian forces launched an attack on Kharkiv. According to Mayor Ihor Terekhov, the strike occurred in the morning when a Russian projectile hit a 12-story residential building in the Kyivskyi district. The blast shattered windows, but no casualties were reported from this specific incident.

The night before, on June 20, the Russian military also targeted the Kholodnohirskyi district of Kharkiv with guided aerial bombs. These strikes hit a private residential area, including a two-story apartment building. At least five civilians were injured in that attack.

Escalating Violence in the Region

Earlier, during the night of June 19, Russian forces dropped guided bombs on the same district. Initial reports of the attack emerged around 3:49 AM. By 4:33 AM, the mayor confirmed that approximately 15 private homes and a warehouse had been damaged. The number of affected houses later rose to over 40.

While emergency crews worked to extinguish a fire caused by a subsequent shelling, five State Emergency Service (DSNS) personnel were killed. Ukraine’s Interior Minister, Ihor Klymenko, confirmed the deaths and noted that at least five other rescuers sustained injuries.

These events unfold against a backdrop of ongoing tension in the region, demanding heightened vigilance from authorities and rescue services. Oleh Syniehubov, head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, urged residents to remain cautious and follow all safety protocols.

The situation in Kharkiv remains dire, with repeated attacks causing destruction and claiming lives among both civilians and first responders. Local officials continue to warn residents to stay alert, as the threat of further shelling persists. These incidents underscore the critical need for emergency services and medical facilities to maintain readiness for crisis response in the area.

In light of the recent surge in violence, the situation in Kharkiv has become increasingly perilous. Just days before the tragic loss of five rescuers, a guided bomb attack had already raised the number of injured civilians to nine, with one fatality confirmed. For a closer look at the escalating crisis in the region, including detailed reports on the latest incidents, read more about the recent strike on Kharkiv.