Deadly Shelling in Eastern Ukraine: Tragedy Strikes Russian-Controlled Region
In a devastating turn of events, at least 27 people lost their lives on Sunday as shells rained down on a Russian-controlled region in eastern Ukraine. The local officials and Russia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the tragic incident. The city of Donetsk, the epicenter of the attack, pointed fingers at Ukraine’s military, accusing them of launching the deadly strikes in a bustling shopping area within the Tekstilshchik quarter. Alongside the casualties, 25 individuals sustained injuries, according to Denis Pushilin, the Moscow-installed head of the separatist Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR).
Pushilin took to Telegram to share his account of the incident, revealing that 155mm and 152mm artillery rounds were fired at Donetsk from two regions located west of the city, near the front line. As of now, there has been no response from Kyiv, and The Washington Post has been unable to independently verify these claims.
Heart-wrenching images captured in the aftermath of the strike depict lifeless bodies strewn across the ground and snow, some covered with blankets or lying beside crates of fruit. The adjacent building suffered extensive damage, and the surrounding area bore the scars of the explosion. Russia’s Investigative Committee dispatched officers to inspect the scene and transport the victims.
Russia’s Defense Ministry condemned the incident as a “brutal terrorist attack” and alleged that it was executed using “weapons supplied by the West.” It is worth noting that Russia’s relentless campaign of heavy airstrikes and shelling has claimed the lives of numerous civilians throughout Ukraine. The country fell victim to Russia’s invasion in 2022, leading to the illegal annexation of certain regions, including Donetsk. Pro-Moscow separatists have operated under Russian protection in these areas for several years.
While Ukraine has managed to regain control over some territories previously occupied by Russian forces, the front lines have now largely solidified, resulting in a grueling stalemate. Recent weeks have witnessed both sides resorting to long-range missile attacks, including a massive Russian barrage on Ukrainian cities on December 29. The following day, a combined rocket and missile assault on the Russian city of Belgorod claimed the lives of at least two dozen people. Authorities promptly held Ukraine responsible for this attack as well.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed on January 2 that Russia had unleashed nearly 300 missiles and over 200 drones in their assaults on Ukraine since the December 29 bombardment. This relentless tactic poses a significant threat to Kyiv’s air defenses, potentially leaving them vulnerable.
In response to the tragedy, Pushilin announced that the DPR would observe a day of mourning for the victims. The repercussions of this devastating incident are yet to unfold, but it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict and the toll it continues to take on innocent lives.
Reporting from Riga, Latvia, Ilyushina provides us with a glimpse into the heart-wrenching aftermath of the deadly shelling in eastern Ukraine. The article sheds light on the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting the devastating consequences faced by civilians caught in the crossfire. As the conflict persists, it becomes increasingly crucial for international efforts to find a peaceful resolution and put an end to the suffering endured by those living in this war-torn region.