Rescuer Dies from Wounds in Kharkiv, Becoming Sixth Victim of Russian Strike.

Loss of Life Among Kharkiv’s Emergency Workers

According to Novyny.live: On June 19, 48-year-old Mykola Derkach, a shift commander at the sixth state fire and rescue unit and a major in civil protection service, succumbed to injuries sustained during a Russian attack on June 15. He is the sixth rescuer to die as a result of that assault. Derkach had been hospitalized after being wounded while on duty but ultimately could not recover from his injuries.

In the early hours of June 15, five other rescuers were killed in the same Russian strike on Kharkiv. The deceased include:

• Dmytro Boyko
• Danylo Tishchenko
• Serhiy Makovetskyi
• Vadym Zinchenko
• Oleksiy Dorozhkin

This devastating event has deeply shaken the local community and fellow emergency workers, who daily risk their lives to save others. The loss highlights the extreme dangers faced by first responders in conflict zones.

Farewell to the Fallen Heroes

A memorial service was held in Kharkiv on June 17 to honor the rescuers and a city council emergency department employee who lost their lives. The ceremony served as a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those killed while carrying out their duties. The memory of Mykola Derkach and his fallen colleagues will remain with their coworkers and the broader society.

This tragedy underscores the severe risks emergency personnel endure during wartime, where their work becomes hazardous not only due to natural disasters but also because of military operations. The deaths of these rescuers have sparked deep public outcry, as they represent courage and self-sacrifice in the face of danger. These events may prompt renewed discussions about safety protocols for rescuers and the urgent need to protect civilians during armed conflicts.