At least 27 people have lost their lives in a deadly shelling attack that occurred in the Russian-held city of Donetsk. The leader of the region, Denis Pushilin, stated that the attack was carried out by Ukrainian forces and had targeted a busy market. In addition to the casualties, 25 people were injured in the incident. Russia’s foreign ministry condemned the strike as a “barbaric terrorist attack” against civilians. As of now, there has been no official comment from Ukraine regarding the incident, and the circumstances surrounding the strike have yet to be verified.
According to Mr. Pushilin, the shelling took place at the busiest time of the day in the market. Disturbing photographs published by Reuters news agency depict destroyed shop fronts and bodies scattered on the streets. Witnesses have also shared their accounts of the horrifying event. Tatiana, a local resident, recounted hearing an incoming projectile and seeking shelter under her market stall. She described the chaos that ensued, with smoke, screams, and cries filling the air.
Donetsk city and its surrounding areas in eastern Ukraine have been under Russian-backed control since 2014 when they were initially seized by Russian forces. The city is located approximately 20km (12 miles) from the frontline, and nearby regions such as Mariinka and Avdiivka have witnessed intense fighting in recent times. Despite Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine almost two years ago, it has made little progress in its advancements in recent months.
In a separate development, Russia claimed to have captured the village of Krokhmalne in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region. However, Ukrainian military spokespersons have downplayed the significance of this territorial gain, stating that the area holds little military importance. Moscow also asserted its control over a settlement named Vesele in Donetsk, although Kyiv has not confirmed this claim.
The war in Ukraine has been ongoing for several years, with the conflict intensifying at various times. The recent shelling attack in Donetsk serves as a tragic reminder of the toll this war has taken on innocent civilians. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains crucial for international actors to work towards a peaceful resolution and prevent further loss of life.
