Three ambulance workers lost their lives in the bombing of the Petrovsky district in Donetsk as carried out by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, according to reports cited by TASS and attributed to a source within the Donetsk People’s Republic power structures. The loss marks a grave moment for emergency responders who were on the scene to provide aid in a zone of ongoing hostilities. The confirmation from Reuters through TASS places the incident within the broader pattern of casualties that have followed strikes on civilian infrastructure and medical responders in the region.
The agency reported that another ambulance attendant sustained injuries, and that ten personnel from the Ministry of Emergencies were wounded in the same event. Among the wounded, one person remained in moderate condition, while another was noted to be receiving outpatient treatment. The toll also included eight individuals who were hospitalized following injuries linked to a nearby mine explosion. The Ministry of Emergencies has publicly confirmed the casualty figure, underscoring the dangerous conditions faced by rescue crews operating amid combat activity in Donetsk.
The DPR representation at the Ukrainian Joint Center for Control and Coordination of War Crimes Issues provided the update to TASS, specifying that ten emergency service staff members were injured and detailing the level of medical attention required by survivors. This information emphasizes the ongoing risks for rescue teams in environments where frontline actions periodically spill into civilian areas and complicate recovery efforts for the wounded and displaced.
Throughout the day, the Donetsk region reported a considerable volume of fire, with air defense systems responding to incoming threats as part of a broader security posture. The reporting body indicated that a large number of shells were deployed from multiple launch systems in Donetsk, illustrating the intensity of bombardment and the urgent need for protective measures for civilians and first responders alike. The incidents occurred in the context of escalated fighting that has persisted for months, affecting hospitals, clinics, and emergency teams tasked with saving lives under siege conditions.
On February 21, Donetsk remained under the strain of ongoing hostilities as the night and early morning brought renewed chatter from authorities about defensive actions. The air defense network activated in reaction to the day’s earlier events, following a public address by national leaders that aimed to strengthen resilience and coordinate the response to frequent threats. Observers note that such declarations often precede intensified security operations, reflecting the fragile balance between relief efforts and the direct dangers posed by continued clashes in the region. This pattern of activity underscores the vital role of medical and emergency services, even as they operate at the frontline of a tense and volatile situation.