An Ukrainian strike on a market in Donetsk, a city in eastern Ukraine under Russian control, has resulted in the loss of at least 25 lives, with 20 others wounded. The strike occurred on Sunday, as reported by Denis Pushilin, the Russian-appointed head of the Donetsk region.
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The incident has tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with Moscow condemning the act as a barbaric terrorist act.
Donetsk, a Ukrainian city that fell under the control of pro-Moscow separatists in 2014. Moscow claims to have annexed the eastern Donetsk region in 2022, although it does not exert full control over the entire territory.
The strike on the market comes as part of a series of violent incidents, including shelling on January 1, which resulted in the death of four people and injuries to 13 others, including journalists.
According to Denis Pushilin, the Moscow installed head of the Donetsk region, the deadly strike occurred in the Tekstilshchik suburb, targeting a market area that was bustling with activity on Sunday, the busiest day of the week.
Pushilin reported 13 fatalities and 10 injuries in a Telegram message. However, as the situation unfolded, the death toll rose to at least 25, with 20 people sustaining injuries, including two children in moderate condition.
Pushilin contributed the shelling to the Ukrainian military, claiming that artillery shells were fired from the Ukrainian-controlled settlements of Kurakhove and Krasnohorivka.
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The Russian-controlled authorities characterized the attack as a barbaric terrorist act, blaming the Kyiv regime with alleged support from the United States and its allies.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs labeled the strike a terrorist attack and accused the Kyiv regime of lacking the political will for a peaceful resolution.
Reports show that Russian forces have taken control of the village of Krokhmalne in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region.
The Russian Defence Ministry announced this development, while Ukrainian military spokesperson Volodymyr Fitio confirmed the withdrawal of Kyiv’s forces from the village.
The capture of Krokhmalne is seen as a move, though Ukrainian officials downplay its importance, describing it as a temporary phenomenon.
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Ukrainian officials have requested residents in the Kharkiv region to evacuate, citing Russian attacks in the area.
The situation remains fluid, with conflicting reports and a dynamic military area as both sides continue their operations along the front lines.
The strike on Donetsk follows a pattern of increased violence in recent weeks, by large-scale airstrikes and missile attacks.
Russian-controlled authorities reported over 500 drones and missiles fired between December 29 and January 2, attempting to find gaps in Ukraine’s defenses. This assault not only a threat to civilians but also depletes Ukraine’s weapons stockpiles.
A fire broke out at a chemical transport terminal at Russia’s Ust-Luga port following two explosions. Regional officials reported the incident that Ukrainian drones might have attacked the port, causing a gas tank to explode.
The Ust-Luga port, located 165 kilometers southwest of St. Petersburg, is important for Russia’s energy infrastructure.
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