Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian medics, ambulances and hospitals are increasing, according to healthcare workers and international organisations. The attacks are significant because medical facilities and personnel are protected under the Geneva Conventions, yet responders say they are being repeatedly targeted while treating casualties.

Paramedic Inna Lytvynenko said a drone chased her for about 10 minutes after striking her ambulance in Kherson, while further vehicles sent to evacuate a patient were also hit. The World Health Organization has recorded 3,118 attacks on healthcare since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022, averaging two a day; attacks rose by 30% in 2024 and another 20% last year. Doctors Without Borders says the pattern suggests attacks on healthcare are a sustained feature of the war, while Ukraine alleges Russia also uses repeat strikes that endanger first responders.