Russia Strikes Public Transport Facility in Southern Ukraine, Killing Three
On June 23, Russia launched a strike on a public transport facility in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson, resulting in the deaths of at least three people. The attack involved Russian cruise missiles and Iranian-made drones, adding to the ongoing conflict between the two countries.
In response to the attack, the Ukrainian military reported that air defenses successfully thwarted a major air strike in central Ukraine. All 13 cruise missiles launched by Russia were downed at an airfield in Khmelnitskiy. The attack, carried out around midnight by aircraft from the Caspian Sea, was a significant escalation in Russia’s air strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure and cities.
Throughout the day, the Russian military carried out 51 air strikes and approximately 50 attacks from rocket salvo systems on Ukrainian troops and populated areas, according to the General Staff of the Ukrainian military. These attacks have caused numerous casualties among civilians and significant material damage.
Kherson Governor Oleksandr Prokudin confirmed that the strike on the public transport facility resulted in the instant death of a 55-year-old employee, with five others wounded. Two additional men, aged 43 and 53, died in the hospital while being treated for their injuries.
Russian forces also launched numerous cruise missiles and Shahed drones overnight, prompting another air raid alert throughout Ukraine. The consequences of this “massive” raid are still being clarified.
On the battlefield, Russian forces made further attempts to attack Ukrainian positions in the eastern region of Donetsk. Heavy fighting was reported in Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiyivka, and Maryinka, with over 27 close-quarter battles fought on June 23 alone. Ukrainian defenders successfully stopped a Russian offensive in Lyman and Kupyansk, according to Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar.
In addition to these attacks, a key bridge connecting Russia-annexed Crimea with the occupied part of Ukraine’s southern region of Kherson was damaged. The strike on the bridge, known as “the gate to Crimea,” was carried out by Storm Shadow missiles donated by Britain, according to Moscow. The bridge represents a crucial link in Russia’s supply line to the Crimean Peninsula.
Since the start of Ukraine’s counteroffensive, the military has managed to retake several villages in Russia-occupied southern Ukraine. However, Presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak cautioned against exaggerated expectations, stating that the offensive operations are currently focused on preparing the battlefield.
The conflict has also prompted Russia to transfer part of its strategic aircraft fleet to North Ossetia in the Caucasus, from where it can launch strikes on Ukrainian civilian and military targets. Satellite images obtained by investigative project Skhemy (Schemes) show that Russian TU-22M3 planes took off from the Mozdok airfield and launched X-22 cruise missiles at the Dnipropetrovsk region, causing damage to civilian infrastructure.
The situation in Ukraine remains tense, with both sides continuing to engage in military operations. The international community is closely monitoring the conflict and assessing the impact on civilians and infrastructure.
How has the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine led to widespread destruction and loss of life in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson?
Causing widespread destruction and loss of life in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson. The attack marks a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The Ukrainian military swiftly responded to the attack, successfully intercepting all 13 cruise missiles launched by Russia at an airfield in Khmelnitskiy. This successful defense prevented further destruction and loss of life.
However, throughout the day, the Russian military carried out multiple air strikes and rocket attacks on Ukrainian troops and populated areas. These attacks have caused extensive damage to infrastructure, resulted in numerous casualties among civilians, and inflicted significant harm to the region.
The strike on the public transport facility in Kherson claimed the lives of three individuals, including a 55-year-old employee who died instantly. Five others were wounded in the attack, with two additional men losing their lives while receiving treatment in the hospital.
The attack further highlights the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine and the detrimental impact it has on innocent lives. The use of Russian cruise missiles and Iranian-made drones demonstrates the sophistication and capabilities of the aggressor’s military resources. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to this conflict and the protection of civilian lives.
