At least 25 people have died and another 20 have been injured in an attack on a busy market in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, which is under Russian occupation. In recent months, attacks on civilian areas have been accused of increasing in both Moscow and Kyiv. Videos of the strike show bodies laying on the ground and considerable damage to storefronts and broken glass. Verification of the attack's circumstances is still pending, and Ukraine has not yet responded to the event.
Attack and Reactions:
The attack took place less than 15 kilometres from the eastern front, in a Donetsk suburb in the southwest. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and devastation, and they heard an approaching projectile. Locals emphasised that the market was a civilian area while expressing shock and disbelief. The leader of the administration under Russian control in the area, Denis Pushilin, accused Ukraine of carrying out the attack and referred to it as a "horrific" act of aggression.
Moscow's Reaction:
Moscow used the attack as justification for its "special military operation" in Ukraine and denounced it as a "barbaric terrorist attack." Terrorist attacks and security risks should not come from Ukrainian territory, according to the Russian foreign ministry. Donetsk has been under Russian and its proxy forces' occupation since 2014. Russia has accused Ukraine of indiscriminate shelling there on several occasions.
Deadliest Attack in Donetsk:
Since Russia began full-scale hostilities against Ukraine in February 2022, this strike ranks among the deadliest occurrences in Donetsk. The area's ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties and destruction. The market attack has further heightened tensions between the two countries.
Fire at the Gas Terminal:
Russia reported a fire at a gas terminal in the port of Ust-Luga on the Baltic Sea in addition to the market attack. This comes after, earlier this week, Ukraine claimed responsibility for two attacks on Russian oil depots. According to Novatek, the terminal operator, there are no casualties, and the fire is presently contained. An "external factor" is cited as the fire's origin.
The Donetsk market attack that left a number of people dead emphasises the growing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine. Each side has accused the other of focusing on civilian areas, which has resulted in a large number of fatalities and significant damage. The incident exacerbates the volatile situation in eastern Ukraine.
(With inputs from agencies)
(Image Source : Multiple Agencies )
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