At least 11 people were tragically killed and 30 others were wounded, including five children, in a devastating series of Russian missile and drone attacks on the eastern city of Dobropillia in Ukraine overnight. The Ukrainian Interior Ministry confirmed the heartbreaking news on Saturday, revealing the extent of the destruction caused by the Russian forces.
The assault on Dobropillia involved ballistic missiles, multiple rockets, and drones, resulting in significant damage to eight multi-storey buildings and 30 vehicles. The ministry reported that the attacks led to the deaths of 11 individuals, including five children, and left 30 others injured. The situation was made even more dire as the occupiers targeted a fire truck while it was attempting to extinguish the flames caused by the initial attack.
Heart-wrenching photographs of partially destroyed buildings engulfed in flames and brave rescue workers clearing debris were shared by the ministry, painting a grim picture of the aftermath of the assault. Additionally, the ministry disclosed that three civilians lost their lives in a separate drone attack on the Kharkiv region in the northeast of Ukraine.
In response to the brutal attacks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took to Facebook to condemn the violence and reaffirm the importance of protecting lives, strengthening air defenses, and imposing stricter sanctions on Russia. He emphasized the need to cut off any financial support that may be fueling Putin’s war efforts.
The recent escalation in violence comes on the heels of Russian forces targeting Ukrainian energy and gas infrastructure in a major missile attack. The situation is further compounded by the pause in U.S. military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, which could potentially weaken Ukraine’s air defenses and hinder its ability to effectively track incoming attacks.
Dobropillia, a city with a population of around 28,000 before the war, is located in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, just 22 kilometers from the front line north of the key hub of Pokrovsk. Russian troops have been relentlessly attacking this strategic area for weeks, causing immense suffering and devastation to the local population.
The Ukrainian military reported that the overnight attacks included two Iskander-M ballistic missiles, one Iskander-K cruise missile, and a staggering 145 drones. Despite the overwhelming assault, Ukrainian air forces managed to intercept and bring down one cruise missile and 79 drones. Electronic countermeasures likely prevented another 54 drones from reaching their intended targets.
As the conflict continues to escalate and innocent lives hang in the balance, it is imperative for the international community to stand in solidarity with Ukraine and support efforts to bring about a swift end to the senseless violence. The world must unite in condemning these heinous acts of aggression and work towards a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
