On July 28, a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law occurred in the Zaporizhzhia region. Russian occupiers launched a drone strike against a group of rescuers from the State Emergency Service (SES) who were at that moment engaged in extinguishing a fire.
Attack in the midst of operations
According to official SES data, the incident occurred in the Zaporizhzhia district. Firefighters were working in an open area of one of the forestry districts, trying to bring the fire under control. At a critical moment, when the rescuers were performing their official duties, an enemy UAV struck directly at their location.
As the department notes, such actions indicate the systematic nature of attacks on civilian infrastructure and humanitarian services by the Russian army.
Casualties among rescuers
The consequences of the strike were severe. As a result of the attack, four SES employees were injured. All of them suffered acoustic barotraumas due to the powerful shock wave of the explosion.
In addition, two rescuers suffered shrapnel wounds:
- One victim sustained an arm injury.
- The second emergency responder was wounded in the neck area.
The SES confirmed that all victims received timely necessary medical assistance. Doctors assess their condition as stable, however, the very fact of an attack on people not engaged in hostilities causes serious concern.
Department response
In the SES statement, it is emphasized that Russia continues to deliberately attack rescue units, ignoring all norms of international law. Firefighters, whose task is to save lives and property, found themselves in the crosshairs of enemy weapons while performing their duties.
This incident is yet another confirmation of the cruelty of the actions of Russian occupiers, who spare even those trying to prevent natural disasters.
