The Moscow-appointed leader of Donetsk reports that a shelling attack in the Russian-held city has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 25 lives.
Speaking about the aftermath of a Ukrainian strike, Denis Pushilin noted that a bustling market was affected, causing injuries to 20 people, and he emphasized the possibility of changes in the casualty counts.
In an official statement, Russia’s foreign ministry condemned the strike, categorizing it as a “barbaric terrorist attack” directed at civilians.
Ukraine has not yet provided any comment on the incident at this time.
Mr. Pushilin labeled the strike as “horrendous,” underscoring that it happened during the market’s busiest period.
Images released by Reuters news agency suggested significant damage to shop fronts and depicted bodies lying in the streets.
AFP stated that according to a local resident named Tatiana, she heard an incoming projectile overhead and took cover under her market stall, as reported by local media.
‘I saw smoke, people screamed, a woman was crying,’ she was quoted as saying.
Russian-backed forces initially seized Donetsk city and parts of the broader region in eastern Ukraine in 2014, and Moscow has maintained partial control over the area ever since.
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Situated approximately 20km (12 miles) from the frontline, the city, along with nearby areas like Mariinka and Avdiivka, has witnessed some of the most intense fighting in recent times.
Nearly two years have passed since Russia initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, yet in recent months, there has been limited advancement in its efforts.
Over the weekend, Russia announced the seizure of the village of Krokhmalne in the Kharkiv region of north-eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian military spokespersons verified the retreat of Ukrainian forces from the area, emphasizing the limited military value of the territory.
A few days ago, Moscow proclaimed its control over the settlement named Vesele in Donetsk. As of now, Kyiv has not provided official confirmation of this assertion.