A double tap strike refers to a military tactic where an initial attack is followed closely by a second strike targeting first responders or civilians arriving at the scene. This method has been observed in various conflicts, but its recent application in Ukraine raises significant ethical and legal concerns. Reports indicate that a Russian drone recently targeted a petrol station in Kerson, Eastern Ukraine. When emergency services arrived to assist, they too became victims of a subsequent attack. Such incidents are not isolated; Sky News has documented 82 attacks on emergency vehicles since January 2024.

The summer months have seen a surge in these attacks, with July 2024 recording the highest number of strikes on emergency vehicles—16 attacks in just one month. This increase is part of a broader strategy that aims to undermine Ukrainian civilian capabilities and morale. Experts assert that these deliberate attacks on emergency services constitute a breach of international law. According to a 2024 report from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, any Russian double tap strikes aimed at first responders can be classified as war crimes.

Analysis reveals that between 2024 and 2025, drone strikes have been concentrated in cities near the front lines in Eastern Ukraine. Notably, the city of Kon has experienced a high frequency of attacks, where Russian and Ukrainian forces are separated only by the Dnipro River. In light of these threats, emergency responders have taken drastic measures to protect themselves. One firefighter stated, "We are being hunted. Because of this, we removed all branding from our vehicles so they will look like civilian ones." This adaptation underscores the perilous environment in which these heroes operate.

The rise in strikes on emergency vehicles coincides with a significant uptick in Russian drone attacks throughout Ukraine. July 2024 witnessed the largest drone strike campaign to date, targeting overwhelming Ukrainian air defenses and eroding civilian morale through persistent nighttime assaults. In response to the escalating violence, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stated that the Russian armed forces do not target Ukrainian civilians, asserting that all strikes are directed at military assets. Meanwhile, international leaders, including former President Trump, have expressed frustration over the ongoing drone offensive, highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.