Russian Missile Strikes Market in Eastern Ukraine, Killing 17
In a devastating attack, at least 17 people, including a child, were killed when a Russian missile struck a market in the town of Kostiantynivka in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk. This incident marks one of the worst attacks in months, as the toll of casualties is unusually high.
The Ukrainian officials have reported that 32 others were wounded in the missile strike. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal expressed his outrage, labeling Russian troops as terrorists who will face just retribution for their actions.
Russian missile attacks on civilian areas have unfortunately become a regular occurrence, but the scale of destruction and loss of life in this incident is shocking. Previous strikes, such as the one on an apartment block in Uman in April and another on Dnipro in January, also claimed numerous lives.
Kostiantynivka is situated close to the front lines around Bakhmut and is often crowded with military personnel. However, footage shared by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky depicted the attack targeting civilians walking along the market street. The video captured a massive explosion, shattering nearby buildings’ glass as pedestrians desperately sought safety.
Images from the aftermath show a fierce fire engulfing the area, with thick black smoke billowing from burnt-out cars and buildings. Firefighters promptly responded to extinguish the blaze caused by the missile’s impact. The scene was littered with blood-smeared floors, burning cars, destroyed structures, and emergency services carrying away the bodies of the victims.
President Zelensky strongly condemned the attack, describing it as an act of utter inhumanity. He emphasized the audacity and brazenness of such wickedness, urging the world not to turn a blind eye to the realities of dealing with Russia.
The missile strike occurred shortly after the arrival of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Kyiv for his third visit since Russia’s full-scale invasion. Blinken had scheduled a meeting with President Zelensky to receive a firsthand report on Ukraine’s efforts to regain control over the Bakhmut region, east of Kostiantynivka.
The timing of the Russian attack on a civilian area has led many to believe it was a deliberate act. President Zelensky pointed out that whenever Ukrainian Defense Forces make positive offensive strides, the Russians tend to strike civilians and civilian objects. He emphasized that these attacks are planned, aiming to cause maximum harm and destruction.
The strike coincided with Rustem Umerov becoming Ukraine’s new defense minister, following the approval of his appointment by the Ukrainian parliament. In his first remarks in his new role, Umerov declared his commitment to retake every centimeter of Ukrainian land from Russia and bring home all those held captive.
This attack once again highlights the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the need for a peaceful resolution. The international community must come together to condemn such acts of violence against innocent civilians and work towards fostering dialogue and diplomatic solutions.
