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Attack in Kostiantynivka Leaves Dozens Dead and Wounded
In a tragic incident, the city of Kostiantynivka in eastern Ukraine was targeted by Russia, resulting in the deaths of at least 16 people and leaving many more wounded. The attack took place at a market and the number of casualties is expected to rise.
The timing of the attack is particularly significant as US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken was visiting Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, where he was expected to announce over $1 billion in new funding to support the country’s fight against Russian aggression.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy strongly condemned the attack, stating that a market, shops, and a pharmacy were hit in the industrial city, which is located close to the ongoing battlefield. Local media described the attack as a missile strike, and videos posted on the Telegram messaging app showed the devastating impact it had on the area.
Zelenskyy expressed his determination to defeat the Russian aggression, emphasizing the need for the international community to recognize the reality of the situation and not turn a blind eye to the atrocities committed by Russia. He labeled the attack as “one more terrorist attack” by the Russian Federation and condemned their deliberate targeting of civilians.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klimenko provided updates on the casualties, stating that in addition to the 16 people killed, at least 28 others were wounded. He also mentioned that the central city market was targeted in the attack, and emergency service workers managed to extinguish the fire that damaged approximately 30 pavilions.
This attack follows a series of Russian strikes on various cities in eastern Ukraine, causing damage to civilian infrastructure, including a popular cafe, a hotel, and shops. Earlier on the same day of the attack, air strikes were reported in Kyiv and the southern region of Odesa, resulting in the death of one person in the Odesa region.
Local prosecutors provided further details on the impact of the attack, stating that 31 people were wounded in Kostiantynivka and numerous buildings, including shops, power lines, an administrative building, and a residential building, were damaged. They also reported that eight retail facilities were destroyed by fire, and several cars were heavily damaged.
Russia has not yet commented on the attack, but it has consistently denied intentionally targeting civilians. The Kremlin earlier expressed its belief that the US planned to continue funding Ukraine’s military in order to escalate the conflict.
The devastating attack in Kostiantynivka serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. As international leaders condemn the violence and express their support for Ukraine, efforts are needed to de-escalate the situation and promote a peaceful resolution to the conflict.