A tragedy is unfolding in Kharkiv, shocking the entire country. Russian forces launched a second strike on the very site where rescuers were already working to clear the aftermath of the first shelling. As a result of this targeted attack, five emergency service personnel were killed.
Tragedy at the rescuers' workplace
Ukrainian Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko confirmed the horrifying details of the incident. According to him, Russian military forces struck a civilian enterprise precisely at the moment when rescuers were on the scene. The enemy delivered a targeted blow to people performing their duty.
According to updated information, four rescuers from the State Emergency Service (SES) and one civil protection specialist from the Kharkiv Regional State Administration were killed.
Head of the SES Andriy Danik noted that the deceased were performing their official duties until the very end. The department expressed its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased, stating that their memory will forever remain in the history of the service.
Names of the heroes
The SES named the deceased employees of the 6th State Fire and Rescue Station of Kharkiv. These are people who risked their lives to save others and became victims of the enemy's cynical tactics.
Massive attack on Ukraine
The tragedy in Kharkiv was part of a large-scale combined attack launched by Russia on the night of June 15. According to Ukrainian authorities, the enemy used ballistic missiles, including hypersonic "Zircon" missiles, as well as strike drones. In total, about 70 missiles and more than 600 drones were fired at Ukrainian territory.
Strikes on Kyiv and cultural heritage
The capital was also hit. In Kyiv, damage to residential buildings and infrastructure facilities was recorded. At least 30 people were injured as a result of the night attack.
Particular pain was caused by the strike on the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. A fire broke out in the Dormition Cathedral, and other cultural heritage sites were also damaged.
Furthermore, the Russian attack damaged the Alexander Dovzhenko National Film Studio. As a result of the fire, the largest and oldest collection of stage costumes in Ukraine was destroyed — a unique historical and cultural monument.
Consequences for residents
The Kyiv region was also under attack. In the region, damage to residential buildings was recorded, and among the injured is a child. The situation remains tense, and authorities continue to assess the scale of damage and provide assistance to the victims.
Events of the last few hours once again demonstrated the cruelty of Russian aggression, which spares neither civilian objects nor those who try to help people in distress.