Seven Killed in Russian Missile Attack on Residential Buildings in Eastern Ukraine
At least seven people have been killed and dozens injured in a Russian missile attack on residential buildings in the eastern Ukrainian town of Pokrovsk. The attack occurred when two missiles hit the town, with the second strike targeting rescuers who were searching for victims of the initial attack. Among the injured were police officers, rescuers, and two children.
Rescue efforts are currently underway in Pokrovsk, which is located about 70km north-west of Donetsk city, an area occupied by Russian forces. The town had a population of approximately 60,000 people before the war broke out.
Pavlo Krylenko, the head of the Donetsk region, reported that the first strike killed five civilians, while an official from the emergency services and a military personnel also lost their lives in the second strike. The buildings affected by the attack included high-rise buildings, private houses, administrative buildings, catering establishments, and a hotel.
In response to the attack, Krylenko referred to Russia as a ”terrorist state” and called for punishment for its crimes. Ukrainian officials also stated that a second missile struck 40 minutes after the first, causing further casualties among rescuers who were searching for survivors in a residential building.
Videos from the scene showed scenes of chaos and confusion, with civilians clearing away rubble and rescuers assisting injured individuals into ambulances. One resident, Kateryna, described her experience of the attack, stating that the flame filled her eyes and she fell to the ground. She sustained injuries from shrapnel in her neck.
In addition to the attack in Pokrovsk, two civilians were killed and five others injured when Russian guided bombs hit private houses in the Kharkiv Region on Monday evening, according to Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office.
The recent attacks come after a Russian “guided bomb” hit a blood transfusion center in north-eastern Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of two people. Ukraine has been attempting to regain territory occupied by Russia but has only made modest gains since launching a counter-offensive two months ago.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky justified the attacks on Russian ships in the Black Sea, stating that Ukraine needs to find alternative methods to end the blockade of their water. He warned that if Russia continues to dominate its territory in the Black Sea and blockades, Ukraine will respond in kind to protect its chances.
Tensions between Ukraine and Russia have escalated in recent weeks, with both sides accusing each other of military aggression. Last week, a Russian tanker with 11 crew members was reportedly hit by a Ukrainian attack in the Black Sea. Naval drones, or sea drones, have been used in several attacks, according to research by BBC Verify.
What are the ongoing rescue operations in Pokrovsk focused on, following the missile attack originating from Russia?
At least seven individuals lost their lives and numerous others sustained injuries after a missile attack originating from Russia struck residential buildings in the eastern Ukrainian town of Pokrovsk. The first attack claimed the lives of five civilians, while the second targeted rescuers searching for victims, resulting in the deaths of an emergency services official and a military personnel. The casualties included police officers, rescuers, and two children.
Situated approximately 70km northwest of Donetsk city, an area currently under Russian occupation, Pokrovsk had a population of around 60,000 before the outbreak of the conflict. The affected buildings, which encompassed high-rise structures, private houses, administrative buildings, catering establishments, and a hotel, are now the focus of ongoing rescue operations.
Pavlo Krylenko, the head of the Donetsk region, provided details of the attack, expressing that the initial strike claimed civilian lives, while the subsequent one targeted emergency responders. As a result, a total of seven individuals lost their lives.
In reaction to this reprehensible act, Krylenko voiced his concerns and condemned the attack. The situation remains tense as authorities continue with rescue efforts and assess the full extent of the damages incurred.
Heartbreaking news. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families.
This is truly devastating. My deepest condolences to all those affected by this tragic event.