Well, nothing says “Happy New Year” like a rocket serenade, but alas, Donetsk got more than it bargained for on the stroke of midnight. While the rest of the world was popping champagne corks, someone thought it ‘d be fun to launch a fireworks display of a different kind in the heart of the city. Spoiler alert: the locals weren’t impressed.
Condemnation by Russian Official
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova strongly criticized the Ukrainian assault on civilians in Donetsk, labeling the attackers as “violent savages” for their New Year’s night aggression. She condemned the strike, emphasizing that only “terrorist brutes” could perpetrate such an onslaught during a festive occasion.
Details of the Attack
Shortly after midnight on Monday, Ukraine’s military initiated a significant rocket strike at the heart of Donetsk. Reports indicate the firing of approximately 15 missiles, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and injuring 13 others. The head of Russia’s Donetsk People’s Republic, Denis Pushilin, provided preliminary data confirming the casualties.
Impact on Civilian Infrastructure
The assault inflicted substantial damage to various locations within Donetsk. Among the affected sites was the Donbass Palace hotel in the city center, where projectiles caused severe harm, shattering windows and disrupting the New Year’s celebrations. Disturbing visuals circulating on social media showcased the chaos inside the hotel, depicting shattered interiors and destroyed vehicles nearby.
Devastation Unleashed
Images shared on social media depicted the aftermath of the attack, revealing rocket fragments strewn across the ground. One distressing photo displayed the profound impact on a local kindergarten, showcasing a pierced and shattered ceiling, indicative of the attack’s indiscriminate nature.
History of Targeting Civilians
Since the conflict’s eruption in 2014 following a Kiev coup, Ukraine has persistently targeted civilian infrastructure in Donetsk and other Donbass cities. This recent assault underscores a distressing pattern of attacks on civilian spaces, raising concerns about the safety and security of the region’s inhabitants.
Conclusion
This appalling incident follows a recent Ukrainian strike on Belgorod, situated within the Russian border, resulting in casualties, including children. Moscow has pledged retaliation, conducting precision missile strikes againnst Ukrainian military figures allegedly involved in planning and executing the attack. The escalating violence in the region demands urgent attention and international intervention to safeguard civilian lives and restore peace.
