Ukrainian officials have accused the Kremlin’s forces of deliberately targeting rescue workers in the city of Pokrovsk by hitting residential buildings with two consecutive missiles. The first missile was intended to draw emergency crews to the scene, while the second was meant to wound or kill them. The strikes, which occurred on Monday evening, resulted in the deaths of nine people and left over 80 others injured.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, one of the victims was an emergency official, while the majority of those wounded were police officers, emergency workers, and soldiers who had rushed to assist residents. The Russian missiles struck the center of Pokrovsk in the eastern Donetsk region, which is partially occupied by Russia. Rescue teams were still working to remove rubble from the affected area.
This tactic of hitting a target and then striking the same spot again after a short period of time, known as a “double tap,” has been employed by Russia since the beginning of the war. It often results in emergency teams being hit while responding to the initial blast. Russian forces have used this method in Syria’s civil war as well.
Ivan Vyhivskyi, chief of Ukraine’s National Police, expressed his outrage at the deliberate targeting of rescue workers. He stated that the police officers were present at the scene because they were needed to rescue people after the first strike. Despite knowing the risks, they bravely continued their efforts to save lives, only to be struck again by the enemy.
Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed that they had targeted a Ukrainian army command post in Pokrovsk. However, neither side’s claims could be independently verified.
Among the injured was Volodymyr Nikulin, a police officer from the now Russian-occupied city of Mariupol. Nikulin was wounded in the second missile strike when shrapnel pierced his left lung and left hand. In a video sent from his hospital ward, he described the attack as another “awful crime” committed by Russian criminals. He highlighted the bravery of the Ukrainian heroes who had risked their lives to help injured people.
The United Nations’ humanitarian coordinator in Ukraine, Denise Brown, condemned the attack as “absolutely ruthless” and a serious breach of international law. She emphasized that such actions violated any principle of humanity.
Since the start of Russia’s invasion in February 2022, 78 employees of Ukraine’s State Emergency Service have been killed, and 280 have been wounded while responding to Russian missile strikes. Ukrainian officials argue that rescuers are protected by international conventions as they are providing humanitarian assistance and are not engaged in combat operations.
The head of the Pokrovsk city administration, Serhii Dobriak, described the attacks as a typical Russian scenario, with a 30 to 40-minute gap between missiles. He expressed his frustration that when rescuers arrive to save lives, another rocket arrives, resulting in an increase in casualties.
In addition to the attack in Pokrovsk, there were also reports of overnight attacks in the town of Kruhliakivka and a village near Kupiansk, resulting in further casualties. Russian-installed authorities in the Donetsk region accused Kyiv’s forces of shelling the region’s capital and causing casualties.
The war in Ukraine continues to escalate, with Russian missiles, drones, and artillery repeatedly targeting civilian areas. While the Kremlin claims to only target military assets, Ukrainian officials argue that the damage caused to civilian areas is a result of debris from Ukrainian air defenses.
The situation in Ukraine remains dire, with innocent civilians and rescue workers bearing the brunt of the violence. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with calls for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
How can the international community effectively hold accountable those who deliberately target rescue workers and emergency personnel, violating international humanitarian law
Ed that rescue workers and emergency personnel risk their lives every day to save others, and it is devastating to see them deliberately targeted.
The attack in Pokrovsk is just another example of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The double tap tactic, used by Russian forces, not only targets the initial victims of the blast but also puts the lives of the emergency crews at risk. This brutal strategy has been seen in Syria as well, highlighting the ruthlessness of the Russian forces.
The Ukrainian President condemned the attack, expressing his condolences to the victims’ families and reaffirming his commitment to protecting the country. The Chief of Ukraine’s National Police also expressed his outrage, emphasizing the bravery of the police officers who continued their rescue efforts despite the risks.
On the other hand, Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed that the target was a Ukrainian army command post, but these claims could not be independently verified. It is important to note that both sides have different narratives and it is difficult to ascertain the truth in such situations.
Among the injured was Volodymyr Nikulin, a police officer from the now Russian-occupied city of Mariupol. He suffered serious injuries in the second missile strike but bravely shared his experience, calling the attack another ”awful crime” committed by Russian criminals.
This attack on rescue workers is a grave violation of international humanitarian law, which prohibits targeting civilians and those providing assistance in times of conflict. The deliberate targeting of emergency personnel not only jeopardizes their lives but also obstructs the crucial work they do in saving lives and providing necessary assistance to affected communities.
The international community must stand together in condemning such actions and demand accountability for those responsible. The tragic events in Pokrovsk serve as a reminder of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to avoid further loss of life and devastation.
This is absolutely disgraceful. Targeting rescue workers shows a complete disregard for human life. The international community must condemn these actions and hold those responsible accountable. #StandWithUkraine