Russian forces launched missile and drone attacks on the Ukrainian cities of Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Dnipro, killing five rescuers and civilians [1].
These strikes targeted both critical energy infrastructure and residential zones, intensifying the danger for emergency responders who are frequently hit while attempting to save lives during active bombardments.
The offensive utilized ballistic missiles, including Iskander tactical ballistic missiles, to hit rescue teams in Kharkiv [1, 4]. The attacks resulted in five deaths [1] and left five other people in serious condition [2]. Among the casualties was a one-month-old infant who was injured during the strikes [3].
Reports on the timing of the campaign vary. The BBC said the massive air strike occurred on the night of Feb. 26, 2024 [5], while Radio Svoboda said the attacks took place on the night of Feb. 12, 2024 [6].
Ukrainian officials said the operations were part of a large-scale night-time campaign against civilian and critical infrastructure [7, 8]. The strikes impacted residential areas, in addition to the energy grid, causing widespread destruction across multiple cities.
In Kharkiv, the use of the Iskander missile specifically targeted the teams providing emergency aid [4]. This pattern of targeting rescue personnel has become a recurring element of the conflict's escalation in urban centers.
“Russian forces launched missile and drone attacks on the Ukrainian cities of Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Dnipro”
The targeting of rescue teams and residential areas suggests a strategy aimed at degrading Ukraine's emergency response capabilities and demoralizing civilian populations. By utilizing high-precision tactical ballistic missiles like the Iskander against first responders, the campaign increases the risk of higher casualty rates, as those attempting to mitigate the damage of initial strikes are themselves targeted.
