Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned Russia's use of 'double-tap' strikes, warning of revenge after attacks that killed rescuers and civilians. The tactic involves an initial air strike followed by a second attack targeting emergency workers who arrive to help.
On the night of 3 April, a swarm of Russian drones attacked Kharkiv. When rescue workers arrived, a second strike killed three of them. Days later, Russian missiles hit Zaporizhzhia; rescuers and journalists rushed to the scene, and two more missiles hit, killing four and wounding more than 20, including two local journalists.
Ukrainian officials report an increase in such attacks. Oleh Synehubov, governor of Kharkiv region, said Russia has started incorporating repeat strikes 'day and night'. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs called the pattern 'particularly troubling', 'cruel' and 'unconscionable'.
DSNS spokesman Oleksandr Khorunzhy said the tactic has been used increasingly often, targeting not just rescuers but also police, utility workers, medics and civilians. Since February 2022, 91 rescuers have been killed and over 340 injured.
Journalist Kira Oves, injured in the Zaporizhzhia attack, described hearing a whistling sound and then a massive explosion. She ran for cover but heard another 'enormous blast'. She said she had not expected two more strikes after the first.
Analysts say the tactic has military rationale: targeting first responders who are difficult to replace. Karolina Hird of the Institute for the Study of War said double-tap attacks likely constitute a war crime. Zelensky called a similar strike in Odesa a 'despicable act of cowardice'.
