On March 28, Russian troops attacked the village of Drobysheve and the city of Mykolaivka in Donetsk Oblast, as well as Kherson, inflicting casualties among civilians, local authorities reported. In Mykolaivka, Russia shelled the area with guided munitions, killing one woman and damaging multiple buildings and houses. In Drobysheve, at least one person was injured, but details were still being clarified. The Governor of Donetsk Oblast, Vadym Filashkin, accused the Russians of purposely targeting civilians and urged locals to evacuate to safety. Kherson was also under attack, with Russian troops striking a taxi and killing the driver, while injuring two other individuals who were hospitalized.
Drobysheve and Mykolaivka are located in the Kramatorsk district in northern Donetsk Oblast, close to the city of Lyman, which remains a key target for the Russian military. Kherson, which was previously liberated by the Ukrainian Armed Forces during the 2022 counteroffensive, is now facing daily attacks as Russian troops have been pushed to the east bank of the river. From this position, they continue to fire at the liberated territories. The ongoing conflict in these areas has resulted in civilian casualties and significant damage to infrastructure, highlighting the devastating impact of the war on the local population.
In the two years of total war between Ukraine and Russia, Moscow has employed various tactics to sustain its military presence and continue its campaign. This has included conducting drafts, expanding state-sponsored mercenary companies, recruiting convicted prisoners, integrating proxies from occupied Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, and forcibly conscripting Ukrainians in occupied territories. Despite facing resistance from Ukrainian forces and international condemnation, Russia has persisted in its efforts to maintain control over parts of Ukraine, leading to prolonged conflict and suffering for civilians caught in the crossfire.
The targeted attacks on villages and cities in Donetsk Oblast and Kherson demonstrate the ruthless tactics employed by Russian troops in their ongoing military campaign. The deliberate targeting of civilians and infrastructure violates international humanitarian law and exacerbates the already dire humanitarian situation in the region. The Ukrainian government, along with local authorities and international partners, continue to condemn these acts of aggression and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Support for independent journalism in Ukraine is crucial in raising awareness about the situation on the ground and holding those responsible for war crimes and violations of human rights to account.
The escalation of violence in eastern Ukraine, particularly in Donetsk Oblast and Kherson, underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire agreement. Civilians in these areas continue to bear the brunt of the conflict, facing displacement, injuries, and loss of life as a result of the ongoing hostilities. The international community must step up its efforts to broker a lasting peace deal and ensure the protection of civilians in conflict-affected areas. By supporting independent journalism in Ukraine and staying informed about the situation on the ground, individuals can contribute to the global efforts to bring an end to the violence and restore peace and stability to the region.
As the conflict in Ukraine persists, the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people in the face of adversity serve as a testament to their determination to defend their sovereignty and territorial integrity. Despite facing immense challenges and hardships, Ukrainians continue to resist Russian aggression and stand united in their pursuit of peace and justice. By standing in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and supporting independent journalism efforts, individuals can play a crucial role in advocating for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and ensuring accountability for those responsible for perpetrating violence and human rights abuses.
