Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has strongly condemned Russia for attacking rescuers in a vicious ‘double-tap’ missile strike, warning of retaliatory actions. The Kremlin’s forces targeted a gas production facility in Poltava, Ukraine, triggering a massive fire and striking again when emergency responders were on site.

The assault, resulting in the deaths of five individuals, including two rescuers, prompted a furious reaction from Zelensky ahead of Russia’s Victory Day Parade. Zelensky emphasized the need for peace and urged Russia to cease fire to end the conflict, vowing that Ukraine would respond in kind.

Furthermore, Ukraine’s Ministry of Internal Affairs condemned the deliberate attacks on life-saving personnel, labeling them as Russian war crimes. Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched 11 Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 164 drones, with most threats intercepted but still causing damage.

Allegedly, the Russian strikes were in retaliation for a previous Ukrainian missile attack on a Moscow apartment block, with Russia preparing for potential disruptions during its significant annual event, the Victory Parade Day. Concerns arose over Putin’s diminishing military capabilities due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, leading to the withdrawal of combat-ready soldiers from frontline positions for parade preparations in Moscow.

Reports suggested that experienced personnel were being redeployed for parade rehearsals, leaving less experienced and wounded troops at the frontlines. Security measures were heightened amid fears of large-scale assaults by Ukraine to embarrass Putin publicly, who reportedly sought refuge in underground bunkers to evade potential internal threats.

Russia launched large-scale attacks across Ukraine, resulting in casualties and property damage in various regions. The Dnipropetrovsk, Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Chernihiv regions were hit, inflicting injuries and destruction, as reported by local authorities.