Russian forces struck the city of Kramatorsk, in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region near the frontlines, with a wave of drones, setting multiple fires across the city on 11 September. 

Firefighters on the scene of an attack came under a second strike while responding to a blaze at an administrative building, Ukraine’s emergency services (DSNS) reports.

Russian forces have repeatedly used so-called “double-tap” strikes, hitting the same location twice – often targeting first responders arriving after an initial attack. These strikes aim to cause additional casualties, disrupt rescue efforts, and increase chaos.

The attack underscores the dangers faced by first responders in Ukrainian cities, as Russian drone strikes target both civilian areas and the emergency services that respond to the initial strikes.

No emergency personnel were injured in the strike, but debris damaged a fire truck ladder. DSNS said that firefighters quickly regained control, extinguished all fires, and assisted civilians trapped in their apartments.

Authorities reported 15 separate strikes across Kramatorsk on 11 September, leaving six civilians wounded in the city.