A devastating shelling attack has rocked the Russian-held city of Donetsk, resulting in at least 27 casualties, according to Denis Pushilin, the Moscow-appointed leader of the region. The incident, labeled a “barbaric terrorist attack” by Russia’s foreign ministry, unfolded when a Ukrainian strike hit a bustling market, leaving 25 people injured.
Details are still emerging, and the casualty figures may change, stated Pushilin, underscoring the severity of the strike on the busy market. Images from Reuters news agency depict the aftermath, revealing destroyed shop fronts and tragic scenes of bodies in the streets.
The strike occurred in Donetsk, a city in eastern Ukraine initially seized by Russian-backed forces in 2014. Since then, Moscow has maintained partial control over the region. Donetsk is situated approximately 20km (12 miles) from the frontline, and nearby areas, including Mariinka and Avdiivka, have witnessed intense fighting in recent times.
The circumstances surrounding the strike are yet to be independently verified, and there has been no official comment from Ukraine as of now. Witnesses in Donetsk described the horrifying moment, with one resident, Tatiana, recounting hearing an incoming projectile, prompting her to seek shelter under her market stall amidst the chaos.
While Russia has claimed capturing certain territories, including the village of Krokhmalne in Kharkiv region, Ukraine downplayed their military significance. The situation remains fluid, and recent months have seen little progress in Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launched almost two years ago.
The tragic incident in Donetsk serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict’s toll on civilians in the region, highlighting the need for international attention and diplomatic efforts to address the complex geopolitical situation.
