A devastating Russian missile assault on the Pokrovsk district in eastern Ukraine has left at least seven civilians dead and dozens more wounded, in what officials are describing as a calculated 'double-tap' attack targeting emergency responders.
The brutal strike occurred on Monday evening when Russian forces launched two missiles at the same location within minutes of each other, a tactic designed to maximise casualties among both civilians and rescue workers who rush to the scene.
Rescue Workers Among the Victims
Pavlo Kyrylenko, the head of Donetsk regional military administration, confirmed that the attack specifically targeted the Pokrovsk area, with the second missile striking as emergency services arrived to help those injured in the initial blast.
"The enemy deliberately struck twice, exactly when the police, rescuers and volunteers were already working on the site," Mr Kyrylenko stated in a Telegram post. This reprehensible tactic represents a clear violation of international humanitarian law.
Mounting Civilian Casualties
Among the victims were at least two children, with eight people reported injured in the vicious assault. The attack destroyed multiple residential buildings and civilian infrastructure, leaving a trail of devastation throughout the community.
Emergency services worked through the night searching for survivors in the rubble, with the death toll feared to rise as recovery operations continue. Local hospitals have been placed on high alert to deal with the influx of casualties.
A Pattern of Escalating Violence
This latest attack forms part of a worrying escalation in Russian offensive operations across eastern Ukraine. The Pokrovsk district, located approximately 50 miles northwest of Donetsk city, has become a focal point of recent fighting as Moscow intensifies its assault on the region.
Military analysts suggest that the use of 'double-tap' strikes indicates a deliberate strategy to undermine Ukrainian emergency response capabilities while maximising psychological impact on civilian populations.
The international community has condemned the attack, with human rights organisations documenting numerous similar incidents throughout the conflict. These calculated strikes on rescue workers and civilians represent some of the most disturbing aspects of Russia's invasion tactics.
