Russian forces carried out a second strike on emergency responders in Sumy as they conducted post-attack operations following an overnight assault, Ukraine's State Emergency Service reported on March 22.
Russian troops launched a follow-up strike near a fire truck just as rescue workers were preparing to return to their unit. Personnel managed to evacuate to safety in time.
Photo: SES
"This is another deliberate strike against those who rescue and help," rescuers said in a statement.
Overnight into March 22 — beginning at 6 p.m. local time on March 21 — Russian forces launched 139 strike drones targeting Ukraine, including approximately 80 Shahed drones as well as Gerbera, Italmas, and other drone variants, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.
Air defense forces shot down or neutralized 127 of the Russian drones. Eight strike drones hit seven locations, while debris from drones fell on an additional seven locations.