In a tragic incident on Wednesday evening, Russian forces launched an airstrike on a bustling shopping centre and market in Dobropillia, a town situated approximately 20km from the frontline in Donetsk. Authorities reported that two people were killed, while at least 27 others suffered injuries. Regional governor Vadym Filashkin disclosed that over 50 shops, 300 apartments, and eight vehicles were also damaged in the attack.
President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strike as "simply horrific," emphasizing the lack of military rationale behind such an assault on civilian infrastructure. Filashkin highlighted that a 500 kg (1,100-pound) bomb was used, dropped at approximately 17:20 local time when the shopping area was crowded with civilians.
The town of Dobropillia has become increasingly vulnerable since the initiation of Ruse's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In a previous bout of violence in March, a series of missile and drone attacks had claimed 11 lives, including five children.
The recent airstrike marks a significant escalation in Russia's drone and missile attacks across Ukraine, which have resulted in over 230 civilian casualties in June alone, according to United Nations reports.
The situation continues to spark outrage and concern internationally, with US President Donald Trump expressing disappointment over the ongoing lack of progress in achieving a ceasefire. Amidst his discussions with NATO heads, Trump warned that severe sanctions would be enacted towards Moscow if a peace agreement was not reached within the next 50 days. He also announced the provision of advanced weaponry to Kyiv through NATO allies to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities.
This latest incident signals a troubling pattern of violence and raises urgent questions about the safety of civilians as the conflict in Ukraine drags on.
President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strike as "simply horrific," emphasizing the lack of military rationale behind such an assault on civilian infrastructure. Filashkin highlighted that a 500 kg (1,100-pound) bomb was used, dropped at approximately 17:20 local time when the shopping area was crowded with civilians.
The town of Dobropillia has become increasingly vulnerable since the initiation of Ruse's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In a previous bout of violence in March, a series of missile and drone attacks had claimed 11 lives, including five children.
The recent airstrike marks a significant escalation in Russia's drone and missile attacks across Ukraine, which have resulted in over 230 civilian casualties in June alone, according to United Nations reports.
The situation continues to spark outrage and concern internationally, with US President Donald Trump expressing disappointment over the ongoing lack of progress in achieving a ceasefire. Amidst his discussions with NATO heads, Trump warned that severe sanctions would be enacted towards Moscow if a peace agreement was not reached within the next 50 days. He also announced the provision of advanced weaponry to Kyiv through NATO allies to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities.
This latest incident signals a troubling pattern of violence and raises urgent questions about the safety of civilians as the conflict in Ukraine drags on.
