'I ran because I knew I would die': Russian drones target medics in Ukraine

Inna Lytvynenko, a paramedic, opted to wear her bright orange body armour when responding to emergencies. During a mission to treat an injured woman in Kherson, June saw her ambulance targeted by a Russian FPV drone. Panicking, she swiftly ran away while raising a commotion. After being pursued for about 10 minutes, the drone departed.

However, her ordeal persisted. Two more vehicles carrying injured individuals were struck by drones. Lytvynenko finally escaped with the aid of police. President Zelensky expressed his concern over the deliberate "hunting" of civilians in a recent call. Hospitals and ambulances in Ukraine have increasingly become targets of Russian drone and missile attacks, despite Geneva Conventions stipulating their protection.

Dr Jarno Habicht, WHO's representative in Ukraine, highlighted that such attacks have become a "new normality" and grew by 30% in 2024 alone. According to a Doctors Without Borders (MSF) report, Russia deliberately targets Ukrainian medical facilities. The WHO has registered 3,118 attacks on healthcare since the Russian invasion in February 2022.

MSF believes these attacks are part of a calculated strategy, disrupting the access of elderly patients with chronic diseases to health services.