Russian strike kills 5 firefighters responding to attack in Ukraine's Kharkiv
Ukrainian emergency workers responding to the aftermath of a Russian attack (illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Russia carried out a second strike on Kharkiv, killing 5 State Emergency Service workers who were extinguishing a fire caused by an earlier attack, according to Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko.
"Five State Emergency Service rescuers were killed in Kharkiv while extinguishing a fire as a result of a repeated Russian strike. At least five more were injured," the minister wrote.
Klymenko expressed condolences to the families of the victims, calling them "heroes without weapons" and adding that "Ukraine, unfortunately, continues to lose those who save lives."
"The massive Russian attack is ongoing. Kyiv is under the main strike. There is significant damage to civilian infrastructure. The necessary services are involved in dealing with the consequences," the interior minister said, urging Ukrainians to stay in safe places during air raid alerts.
5 emergency responders were killed in Kharkiv while extinguishing a fire following a Russian strike (photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Kharkiv region)
Russia attacked Kharkiv several times the day before. Initially, reports emerged about a strike on the Kharkiv Art Museum, where several people sought medical assistance due to acute stress reactions.
Later, it became known that an enterprise in the Kholodnohirskyi district of the city had been hit. Kharkiv Regional Military Administration head Oleh Syniehubov published footage from the scene showing a major fire, with the third floor of the enterprise building burning.
As is known, Russia is also carrying out a massive attack on the capital on the night of Monday, June 15. Numerous fires have broken out in Kyiv, affecting residential and non-residential buildings, a dormitory, the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, vehicles, warehouses, and other sites.
It is also known that around 140,000 consumers in Kyiv were left without electricity due to damage to power lines caused by the attack. Authorities have also reported the first casualties, with the number currently reaching up to ten.
