WHO Reports Increased Russian Attacks on Ukrainian Ambulances and Medical Facilities

Since the beginning of 2024, the Russians have been attacking Ukrainian emergency medical services more frequently.

The World Health Organization has released the relevant statistics.

The organization notes that ambulance workers and other personnel servicing health transport in Ukraine face a risk of injury and death 3 times higher than that of other healthcare service workers.

In addition, they note that the number of Russian attacks has increased and amounted to 68 attacks in the first quarter of 2024.

Approximately 12 of 68 attacks—almost 20%—targeted emergency medical services.

It also includes 9 attacks targeting emergency medical aid base stations, 7 attacks resulting in damage to ambulances, and 6 attacks affecting assets and emergency medical aid equipment.

This grim number underscores the pressure on the Ukrainian healthcare system,” stated Dr. Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative in Ukraine.

In 3 of these 12 attacks, 4 health workers were injured, and 2 health professionals were killed.

This information shows a casualty rate nearly 3 times higher than for other healthcare services during the same period.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is unclear about why Russia is targeting healthcare facilities and emergency medical services.

Militarnyi previously reported that Finland had donated six modern ambulances and associated medical equipment to Ukraine.

The vehicles are equipped with all the necessary equipment to save the lives of civilians and soldiers in the east of Ukraine.