Russian missiles have ripped through apartment buildings in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region, killing at least one person and burying families under rubble in the fiercely contested area. The ongoing attack with long-range weapons has caused havoc, leaving destruction and devastation in its wake. These assaults have struck three Donetsk cities — Pokrovsk, Novohrodivka, and Myrnohrad, all of which are located 25-40 kilometers (15-25 miles) from the front line.
According to Ukrainian Internal Affairs Minister Ihor Klymenko, Russian military units simultaneously launched six S-300 missiles during the night, intensifying the chaos and terror.
In the wake of these attacks, emergency workers have been working tirelessly to rescue those trapped in the debris. In Novohrodivka, a 62-year-old man was found lifeless, and there are fears that four more people, including a child, may still be buried beneath the rubble. Meanwhile, in Pokrovsk, a multi-story building, nine houses, a police office, and cars have been destroyed. However, amidst the devastation, there have been moments of hope as emergency crews successfully rescued a man holding a 6-month-old baby, both covered in blood yet miraculously alive.
For Serhii Dobriak, head of the city administration, this is the fourth time Pokrovsk has come under attack in the past month. He expressed outrage, stating, “They are striking the city center, the houses. They are just destroying the civilian population,” and made a plea for evacuation due to the escalating intensity of strikes.
These targeted cities are in close proximity to Avdiivka, where a fierce battle has erupted in recent months. Avdiivka serves as a gateway to parts of the Donetsk region still under Ukrainian control, making it a crucial location in the ongoing conflict.
Ukrainian officials have reported an increase in attacks by Russian forces in eastern Ukraine, specifically around Avdiivka and Bakhmut, as part of an effort to gain ground in this strategic region.
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