A recent wave of missile strikes ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin has resulted in tragic losses in Ukraine, including the deaths of a nine-year-old girl and her parents.
Devastating Attacks on Civilians
Among the casualties was little Sofia Yavorska, who perished when her apartment block in Poltava was obliterated on Saturday morning. The attack reduced all five floors of the building to rubble, sparking a fire that spread to neighboring structures. Sofia’s grandfather, Igor, revealed that his entire family was among the 14 victims, which included Sofia’s parents, both just 37 years old.
In an emotional statement, Igor expressed his grief, saying, “I wish for the entire Russia to die together with Putin. From now on it will be hated for 100 years.” A poignant image of Sofia holding a drawing of a peace dove, adorned with a heart-shaped Ukrainian flag, was shared, conveying her love for her country.
Casualties and Destruction
The missile strikes also claimed the life of Anastasia „Nastia” Kolovakh, a 30-year-old Ukrainian actress. Her theatre group mourned her loss, stating, „Words fail us. Fly high, birdie.” Additionally, 17 residents of the Poltava block were injured, including four children, with 22 people rescued from the wreckage.
Targeting Vulnerable Populations
In a separate incident, a former boarding school housing elderly residents was struck, resulting in four deaths and over 80 injuries. This facility, located in Sudzha, in the Ukrainian-occupied Kursk region of Russia, was primarily a shelter for vulnerable individuals, including those displaced by conflict. Vladimir Sinelnikov, a local activist, noted that the building housed many elderly and sick individuals.
Ukraine’s military reported that dozens of civilians were present in the building at the time of the attack, emphasizing that the Russians were aware of the civilian presence. Almost 100 individuals were reported trapped beneath the rubble, prompting urgent rescue operations.
International Reactions and Military Responses
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strikes as characteristic of Russia’s assault on civilians, likening it to past conflicts in Chechnya and Syria. He stated, “This is how Russia waged war against Chechnya decades ago. Russian bombs destroy Ukrainian homes the same way.” In contrast, Russia’s defense ministry accused Ukraine of targeting the boarding school.
The attacks were part of a larger offensive involving 165 drone and missile strikes launched by Russia on that day. Ukraine successfully intercepted 56 drones and redirected a significant number of missiles. Andriy Yermak, a Ukrainian government official, described the situation as a reflection of “the true face of Russia,” highlighting the lack of respect for international norms.
In response to the scale of the attacks, NATO scrambled fighter jets in Poland and bolstered its anti-air defenses to safeguard against potential incursions into its airspace.
Call for Global Support
In the aftermath of these devastating events, President Zelensky urged the international community for increased support in strengthening Ukraine’s defenses. He emphasized the need for better air defense systems, long-range weapons, and continued sanctions pressure against Russia. “The world must force it to end this brutal and unprovoked aggression,” he stated, thanking those who support Ukraine in its time of need.
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