Russian strikes in Pokrovsk on Monday resulted in the deaths of five people and left dozens wounded, according to the governor of the Donetsk region. Moscow has been focusing its attacks on the industrial area of Donetsk in recent weeks, claiming the region as part of Russia. The strikes caused extensive damage, with residents seen sifting through debris near a deep crater and damaged buildings.
Governor Vadym Filashkin reported that five people were killed and 41 others were wounded in the attack, including four children aged between 9 and 13. The missiles fired by Russian forces destroyed and damaged several homes in Pokrovsk, a town with a population of around 61,000 before the war. Filashkin described the attack as one of the largest on civilians in recent times, with the full extent of the consequences still being assessed.
Residents in Pokrovsk described the terrifying experience as missiles landed nearby, causing significant destruction. One 70-year-old man, Nikolay Kurilov, was watering flowers in his garden when the projectiles hit close to his location, causing him to almost fall over. The ongoing advances of Russian forces towards Pokrovsk have heightened tensions in the region, with attacks also reported in nearby towns like Kurakhove and Toretsk.
In addition to the casualties in Pokrovsk, Filashkin reported the death of a 62-year-old man in Kurakhove following a Russian attack on the town. A guided missile struck an infrastructure facility in Kurakhove, causing damage and further civilian casualties. In Toretsk, another town facing increased attacks by Russian forces, a 63-year-old civilian was killed. These incidents have occurred as Moscow claimed to have annexed Donetsk and other parts of Ukraine in late 2022, contributing to the ongoing conflict in the region.
Parts of Donetsk have been under the control of Kremlin-backed separatists since 2014, leading to a long-standing conflict in the area. The recent intensification of attacks by Russian forces has caused concern among residents and authorities in the region, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. The situation in Pokrovsk and other towns in eastern Ukraine remains volatile, with ongoing military operations and airstrikes impacting the local population.
As the conflict in eastern Ukraine continues, efforts to protect civilians and de-escalate the violence remain a top priority for local and international authorities. The targeting of residential areas and civilian infrastructure by Russian forces has raised concerns about violations of international humanitarian law and the need for accountability for war crimes. The humanitarian situation in areas like Pokrovsk is dire, with many families displaced and in need of assistance. Resolving the conflict and ensuring the safety and security of civilians in eastern Ukraine requires a concerted effort from all parties involved.
