- June 6, 2025
- 12:58 pm
- Ukraine
Repeated strikes on rescuers and medics who had already arrived to help — this is a war crime and a method used by terrorist structures.
“This is a separate type of war crime: first comes the initial strike, then the rescuers — and then a second strike on those who are helping. Russia has been using this tactic for years and has no intention of stopping,” — states Ukraine’s State Emergency Service (SES).
During the night of June 6, 2025, the Ukrainian capital and other regions of the country came under attack by Shahed drones, ballistic and cruise missiles. The most tragic consequences were caused by repeat strikes on first responders already at the scene: three rescuers — Yuriy Grebenyuk, Oleksii Kozachenko, and Maksym Turbaba — were killed despite being aware of the danger of a second wave of attacks.
“This night, Ukraine once again endured a terrible missile and drone attack. Russian forces struck residential buildings in Kyiv, and emergency rescuers from the SES immediately arrived at the scene. They came to help the wounded and save lives…
And just as they were already working at the site, Russian troops treacherously struck again. Deliberately and cold-bloodedly.
That’s how rescuers — Yuriy Grebenyuk, Oleksii Kozachenko, and Maksym Turbaba — were killed. Three rescuers, three heroes.
They knew that Russia could strike again, but despite the danger, they still went to do their job.
We often say the word “hero” — and get used to it. But a real hero is not just a figure in a book. It’s a person who sees death — and still goes to work!
I pray for them and bow my head before their choice — and the pain of their families.
May the Almighty accept their souls as the souls of the righteous!”
— wrote Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Azman.
Timeline of the Massive Attack
According to official data, on the night of June 6, Russia launched approximately 452 airborne weapons:
- 407 Shahed-type attack drones and drone decoys of various kinds;
- 6 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles;
- 36 Kh-101 cruise missiles from Tu-95MS/Tu-160MS bombers;
- 2 Iskander-K cruise missiles launched from occupied Crimea;
- 1 Kh-31P anti-radar missile from tactical aircraft.
As of 10:00 a.m., Ukraine’s air defense had intercepted 406 air threats (see table below).
Air Defense Results on June 6, 2025
| Threat Type | Launched | Shot Down | Electronically Neutralized |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shahed Drones and Decoys | 407 | 199 | 169 |
| Ballistic Missiles (Iskander-M/KN-23) | 6 | 4 | 2 (missed targets) |
| Cruise Missiles Kh-101 | 36 | 30 | – |
| Cruise Missiles Iskander-K | 2 | 2 | – |
| Anti-Radar Missile Kh-31P | 1 | 0 | – |
Geography of Strikes and Affected Regions
- Kyiv: 4 killed, 20 injured, damage to residential buildings, gas stations, and the red metro line (partially out of service). Among the dead — three rescuers.
- Ternopil: power outages due to infrastructure damage.
- Lutsk: 5 injured, destruction of private and apartment buildings.
- Khmelnytskyi Region: missile struck a residential building.
- Chernihiv: infrastructure strikes; upper floors lost water supply.
- Kyiv Region: rail lines damaged — train delays reported.
Reaction of Officials and the Public
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated:
“Russia hasn’t changed its signature style. Another massive strike on cities and normal life. They hit almost all over Ukraine: Volyn, Lviv, Ternopil, Kyiv, Sumy, Poltava, Khmelnytskyi, Cherkasy, and Chernihiv regions. Some missiles and drones were intercepted. Thanks to our defenders. But unfortunately, not all.
Altogether, there were more than 400 drones and over 40 missiles in this strike, including ballistic ones. 49 people were injured. Sadly, the number may rise: people are still seeking help. As of now, three deaths are confirmed — employees of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. My sincere condolences to their families. All necessary services are working at the sites, clearing rubble, and continuing rescue operations. We will rebuild all the damage.
Russia must be held accountable for this. Since the first minute of the war, they have been striking cities and villages to destroy life. We have done much together with the world to defend ourselves. But now is the time when America, Europe, and the world can stop this war by putting pressure on Russia. If someone doesn’t press and allows the war to take more lives — that’s complicity and responsibility. Action is needed.”
National mourning was declared in Sumy on June 4. Memorial events were held in Chernihiv, Kyiv, and other cities.
Cynical Double Strike Tactic
Repeated strikes on rescuers and medics who had already arrived to help — this is a war crime and a method used by terrorist structures.
“This is a separate type of war crime: first comes the initial strike, then the rescuers — and then a second strike on those who are helping. Russia has been using this tactic for years and has no intention of stopping,” — states Ukraine’s SES.
Who Defended Against the June 6 Attacks
- Ukrainian Armed Forces aviation;
- Anti-aircraft missile troops;
- Electronic warfare units (EW);
- Mobile air defense fire teams;
- Surface-to-air missile battery systems.
For the Jewish community of Israel and the Ukrainian diaspora in the country, the events of June 6 served as a harsh reminder of the fragility of peace. Our publications help readers understand the scale of this tragedy and show solidarity with the families of the victims.
Casualties Among Rescue Services
According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine:
- 3 rescuers killed in Kyiv during the second strike.
- 9 SES workers wounded (including severe injuries).
- 5 rescuers injured while extinguishing a fire in Ternopil region.
Appeal to the International Community
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that without the support of the U.S., the EU, and other allies, Ukraine risks facing an unchecked new wave of aggression.
“Russia must be held accountable. From the very first moment of this war, they have been striking cities and villages to destroy life. If someone doesn’t pressure Russia — that is complicity and responsibility. Action is needed.”
Forecast for the Future and the Role of the Community
The June 6, 2025 attack demonstrated Russia’s intent to demoralize civil services and destroy infrastructure. The repeated strikes on rescuers confirmed their terrorist military strategy.
The tragedy of the three rescuers — Yuriy Grebenyuk, Oleksii Kozachenko, and Maksym Turbaba — became a symbol of fearlessness and sacrifice. Their deaths reminded us that war is not an abstraction: it takes the lives of those who are first to respond.
“I bow my head before their choice and the pain of their loved ones,” — said Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Azman.
For Israeli Jews and Ukrainians in Israel, this is a sign of solidarity and a reminder that unity between nations becomes stronger in the most difficult moments.
“Our strength is in supporting one another. Israel and Ukraine are connected by shared history and memory, and we will get through these trials together,” — community representatives noted.