A repeated Russian strike in the Poltava region, occurring as firefighters arrived at the scene and began extinguishing a large-scale fire, claimed the lives of two SES rescuers, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported on Telegram, according to UNN.
Due to a treacherous repeated Russian strike, the Ministry of Internal Affairs system lost two rescuers. At night, the enemy attacked a gas production facility in the Poltava region. When SES units arrived at the scene and began extinguishing a large-scale fire, the adversary struck the people with a missile. Unfortunately, as a result of the injuries sustained, 2 rescuers were killed
According to the Minister, the victim of the Russian attack was the deputy head of the operational-coordination center of the SES of the Poltava region Viktor Kuzmenko — a Hero of Ukraine, under whose leadership 17 people were saved after the strike on Poltava in 2024. He participated in over 50 operations to eliminate the consequences of shelling, prevented man-made disasters, and personally extinguished fires at critical infrastructure facilities.
Also killed was firefighter-rescuer Dmytro Skryl — who served in the SES for over 20 years. He repeatedly participated in the elimination of complex fires at oil and gas industry facilities caused by enemy shelling. A responsible and professional rescuer who knew his job well and performed it where it was most difficult.
"My sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased. I share your pain. This is a great loss for all of us," Klymenko emphasized.
The Minister also reported that as a result of the repeated strike, 2 more people were killed, and 8 were wounded. "23 rescuers sustained injuries. Three people are in serious condition, and medics are fighting for their lives," the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs noted.
"These are deliberate strikes against those who save lives. We are documenting every war crime of the Russian Federation. The enemy must be held accountable for the murders of Ukrainians," Klymenko underscored.