A Ukrainian firefighter was killed in Zaporizhzhia after Russian forces carried out a repeated drone strike targeting emergency responders at the scene of an earlier attack.
According to a statement from Ukraine’s State Emergency Service (SES), Master Sergeant of the Civil Protection Service Oleksandr Prodan died on Sunday, Aug. 9, while carrying out his official duties.
According to Minister of Internal Affairs Ivan Vyhivsky, who first reported Prodan’s death, two other emergency responders were injured in the attack and promptly hospitalized.
“Until his final breath, Oleksandr remained faithful to his oath and his calling – saving human lives,” the SES wrote in their statement.
More than 20 years in service
Prodan, who was 45 at the time of his death, devoted more than 20 years to firefighting and rescue work.
According to Euromaidan Press, Prodan had served in Polohy, in the Zaporizhzhia region, until Russia occupied the town. He then left and continued work on Ukrainian-controlled territory.
“He didn’t leave the profession, and he didn’t leave the people who counted on him,” the outlet reported.
He leaves behind a wife and a 17-year-old son.
The SES described Prodan as “a true professional who stood guard over the safety of citizens every day, remaining a model of resilience and reliability.”
Repeated strikes on rescue crews
Russian forces are known for conducting “double-tap” attacks, a technique that specifically targets first responders and emergency services.
Shortly after initial strikes, the same locations are struck again, reflecting a tactic that positions rescue workers at heightened risk as they arrive to extinguish fires or help survivors.
Ukraine:News described such strikes as “among the cruelest realities of this war,” noting that responders continue work despite knowing drones may return while they are still on scene.
Russia continues to target civilians and civilian infrastructure, in violation of international humanitarian law.
Overnight on Tuesday, Aug. 11, Russia launched one of its largest mixed missile strikes on Zaporizhzhia in recent weeks, with Ukrainian authorities saying the assault included North Korean-supplied ballistic missiles.
On Wednesday, Aug.12, Russian forces struck an Epicentr shopping center in Zaporizhzhia, sparking a fire and causing extensive damage to the building.
Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched a package of 20 missiles and glide bombs at the city overnight on Aug. 11, including three ballistic missiles, two Zircon hypersonic missiles and 15 KAB glide bombs.