Ukraine Authorities Arrest Man for Directing Missile Strike That Killed 10 at Pizza Restaurant
KYIV, Ukraine – Ukrainian authorities have arrested a man who they claim helped Russia direct a missile strike that killed at least 10 people, including three children, at a popular pizza restaurant in eastern Ukraine. The attack on Kramatorsk, which took place on Tuesday evening, also left 61 others injured. This is the latest in a series of bombardments of Ukrainian cities that Russia has used extensively during the ongoing 16-month-long war.
Among the victims were two sisters, both 14 years old, and another 17-year-old individual, according to Prosecutor General Andrii Kostin. The attack also caused significant damage to multiple buildings and facilities in the area, including schools, kindergartens, and a shopping center.
Rescue efforts are still ongoing, as search and rescue teams comb through the rubble for others who may still be trapped or missing.
Initial reports suggested that the strike in Kramatorsk was carried out using an S-300 surface-to-air missile, a weapon that Russia has repurposed for loosely targeted strikes on cities. However, the Ukrainian National Police later revealed that Iskander short-range ballistic missiles were actually used.
Kramatorsk, a front-line city that houses the Ukrainian army’s regional headquarters, has been heavily affected by Russian bombardments. The pizza restaurant, which was frequented by journalists, aid workers, soldiers, and locals, was targeted in the attack.
The Security Service of Ukraine claims to have detained a man who they suspect directed the strike on the restaurant. According to the Security Service, the individual is an employee of a local gas transportation company and provided information to the Russians about the popularity of the restaurant. However, no evidence has been presented to support this claim.
Russia has repeatedly denied targeting civilian areas during the war, despite numerous evidence of civilian casualties resulting from their air strikes.
Kramatorsk is located in the Donetsk region, one of the provinces in Ukraine that Russia claimed to annex in 2022 but does not fully control. Russia has also occupied Crimea since 2014.
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has been a major point of contention, with Russia demanding that Ukraine recognize the annexations. However, Ukraine has made it clear that they will not engage in talks with Russia until their troops withdraw from all occupied territories. Recently, Ukraine launched a counteroffensive to retake occupied territory.
As fighting continues along the front line, Russia has intensified its air campaign in Ukraine. In addition to the attack in Kramatorsk, Russian forces have also shelled multiple settlements in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. The Ukrainian presidential office reported that a 77-year-old civilian was killed in the town of Orikhiv, and three people were injured by Russian shelling in a nearby village that was recently recaptured by Ukraine.
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia shows no signs of abating, with both sides continuing to engage in aggressive military actions. The international community remains concerned about the ongoing violence and the humanitarian impact on the affected regions. The situation remains tense as Ukrainian forces attempt to push back against Russian aggression.
As the world watches the developments closely, it is crucial for all parties involved to seek a peaceful resolution and prioritize the safety and well-being of the people caught in the crossfire. The escalation of violence only brings more suffering and loss to both sides, and a diplomatic solution must be pursued to bring an end to the conflict.
[Image: Rescue workers searching through the rubble of the pizza restaurant in Kramatorsk after the missile strike.]
