Russia strikes gas production facility in Poltava region: second attack kills two rescuers, injures 23 more
Regional officials said, as of the morning, four people were confirmed dead, and 31 were injured. Among the dead were two rescuers from the State Emergency Service (SES): Viktor Kuzmenko, deputy head of the operational coordination center for the Poltava SES, and firefighter-rescuer Dmytro Skryl.
The MIA described Viktor Kuzmenko as a "Hero of Ukraine" who routinely risked his life responding to missile strikes, leading rescue operations during attacks on critical infrastructure. Following an attack on Poltava in 2024, he led a team that saved 17 people.
"He took part in more than 50 operations to eliminate the aftermath of shelling, often preventing technological disasters by personally extinguishing fires at critical infrastructure facilities," the MIA said in a statement.
Dmytro Skryl served in the SES for more than 20 years, frequently participating in efforts to tackle large fires at oil and gas facilities hit by Russian strikes.
"He was a dedicated, professional rescuer who knew his job well and worked where the danger was greatest," the agency added.
Another 23 rescuers were injured in the attack, including three in critical condition.
The Poltava Regional Military Administration also reported direct hits and falling debris at two sites in the Poltava district. The strikes damaged infrastructure, including railway facilities, and left 3,480 subscribers without a gas supply.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko condemned the deliberate targeting of rescuers, stressing that all Russian war crimes are being documented for future accountability.
Background
This is not the first time Russian forces have targeted firefighters with follow-up attacks. On the night of March 8, Russian troops deliberately struck SES rescuers on duty in the Kharkiv region.
On June 6, 2025, Russia carried out a massive attack on Ukraine, using both missiles and drones; during this assault, three rescuers — Pavlo Yezhorov, Danylo Skadin, and Andrii Reminnyi — were killed.
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5 of May 2026
