The danger to rescue vehicles in Ukraine has increased considerably due to the increased use of Russian drone attacks. These attacks are also increasingly targeting civilian rescue vehicles, further exacerbating the humanitarian situation. In the period from December 29, 2023 to January 8, 2024 alone, hundreds of civilians were killed or injured by drone and missile attacks (The United Nations in Ukraine) (UN News). In December 2023, at least 592 civilian casualties were counted, including 86 dead and 416 injured (UN News). Such attacks not only cause immediate casualties, but also hinder rescue operations and endanger the lives of aid workers and the injured.
The drones attack without distinguishing between military and civilian targets, which poses a significant threat to humanitarian operations. Rescue vehicles that evacuate wounded people from war zones or provide medical care in affected areas are particularly at risk. Russia has now switched to so-called “double tap” attacks in Ukraine, in which the site of an attack is attacked again with a slight delay, often around 30 minutes. Aid workers are repeatedly hit, as is their equipment.
Aid vehicles are also repeatedly destroyed by drones. The targeted attacks on these vehicles by Russian drones are making rescue efforts considerably more difficult and endangering the lives of those who need help