A supermarket in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kostiantynivka was struck by a deadly Russian missile, resulting in 12 fatalities and 44 injuries.
Ania Aliabieva was napping in her military equipment store when an explosion jolted her awake, causing panic in a residential area that had largely been unscathed until then, in a city located very close to the front line. “Everyone started running. The usual exit from the building was completely blocked; it was impossible to get out,” she recounted to AFP, her eyes wide with shock. “We began to climb out the window. We had great difficulty escaping. We turned around and saw everything was burning,” testified the 25-year-old woman, her arms lightly cut from the aftermath of the explosion.
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The missile strike, according to emergency services, resulted in 12 deaths and 44 injuries, as reported by local police in this industrial city, which has already endured several months of relentless Russian bombardments. “Our rescuers, alongside the police and public services, are clearing the rubble to ascertain the precise number of dead and injured,” said Vadym Filachkin, head of the regional administration, on television. Kostiantynivka, once home to approximately 70,000 residents, is situated about 13 kilometers from Russian forces that are currently on the offensive in the area. “Russia will be held accountable for this act of terrorism,” President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed.
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At the site, a man in shorts and a T-shirt pushed past the security cordon, angrily confronting the police and searching through the body bags lined up by rescue workers, seemingly looking for a missing relative.
“Suddenly a huge explosion”
Nearby, a tearful woman covered her mouth with a handkerchief, pleading with police for information about a missing child in her family. Natalia, living in a Soviet-style apartment building with a leafy courtyard adjacent to the damaged supermarket, was watching television when the explosion shattered her windows. “‘Bang!’ is a weak description for the explosion,” the 51-year-old woman in a red shirt and with black hair told AFP. Journalists from AFP observed dozens of people fleeing the area as police issued warnings of a potential second strike. Black smoke still rose from the debris of the shopping mall, which had transformed into a chaotic scene of twisted metal, as firefighters battled the flames.
A short distance away, a woman with a blood-soaked blouse, wounded in the leg, wept at the base of a residential building with blown-out windows. “I didn’t hear anything coming, just a sudden huge explosion. I have nothing else to say. I’m in shock,” said another witness, a woman in a dressing gown and flip-flops, who preferred to remain anonymous.
Evacuation of children
As air raid sirens blared, frightened and tearful residents struggled to clear debris while desperately trying to contact missing family members. In the distance, the sounds of drones and artillery could be heard. Russia has long viewed the Donetsk mining region as a significant target and has intensified its offensive there after claiming to have annexed it in the fall of 2022. The Russian military recently asserted dominance over a series of villages in the area. While many have already evacuated, Ukrainian authorities have ordered the evacuation of children and their guardians, particularly from villages around Pokrovsk, a key railway hub, in anticipation of further Russian advances.
Natalia herself left Pokrovsk for Kostiantynivka just a week prior, escaping what she described as even more terrifying conflicts there. Although the authorities had offered her the chance to leave the region entirely, she felt she had no other options. “The question is where to go and with what money?” she asked, as more artillery fire echoed in the distance.
Conflict in Ukraine Russia Volodymyr Zelensky
Kostiantynivka Supermarket Hit by Deadly Russian Strike: Casualties and Aftermath
The Incident: Casualties and Eyewitness Accounts
A supermarket in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kostiantynivka was struck by a deadly missile, resulting in the tragic loss of 12 lives and injuring 44 people. This incident marks a significant escalation in military aggression as the city has been largely spared until now, situated just 13 kilometers from frontline Russian forces.
Eyewitness Accounts
Among the witnesses, Ania Aliabieva, a 25-year-old store owner who was asleep in her military equipment store, experienced the chaos firsthand. “Everyone started running. The usual exit from the building was completely blocked, it was impossible to get out.” She described her immediate response as she and others attempted to escape through the window: “We turned around and everything was burning.”
Rescue Operations
Emergency services worked tirelessly at the scene, with local officials, including regional administration head Vadym Filachkin, stating: “Our rescuers, together with the police and public services, are clearing the rubble to determine the exact number of dead and injured.”
Government Response
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, describing it as an act of terrorism. He vowed that “Russia will be held responsible for this terrorism.” The incident has intensified calls for international intervention and support for Ukraine amidst ongoing aggression.
Impact on the Community
The Emotional Toll
As rescue efforts continued, the emotional impact on the survivors was palpable. One witness, Natalia, who lived nearby, recalled: “‘Bang!’ is a weak word to describe the explosion.” The chaos saw residents rushing towards the scene, desperately searching for loved ones.
Evacuation Orders
In light of the increasing danger, Ukrainian authorities have ordered evacuations of children and guardians from surrounding areas, including Pokrovsk, anticipating further Russian advances. Many families are torn between fleeing and the lack of resources: “The question is where to go and with what money?” lamented Natalia, who had recently relocated from a more dangerous area.
Ongoing Military Tensions in the Donetsk Region
The Donetsk region has been a focal point of conflict since Russia’s aggressive military maneuvers. Following its self-proclaimed annexation of the area in fall 2022, the Russian military resumed operations, intensifying their bombardments of key Ukrainian cities.
Strategic Importance of Kostiantynivka
Kostiantynivka, once home to approximately 70,000 residents, is strategically important due to its proximity to frontline military actions. Recent Russian claims of control over surrounding villages underscore the region’s ongoing volatility.
Case Studies: Previous Attacks and Their Implications
Historical Context
This attack is among numerous instances where civilians have been caught in the crossfire of military engagements. Previous strikes in urban areas have raised significant concerns regarding the safety of non-combatants and the destruction of civilian infrastructure.
Impact on Civilians
Civilians, such as those affected by this incident, often face dire consequences – both physically and emotionally. The psychological scars from witnessing such violence can last long after the physical wounds have healed.
Practical Tips for Those Affected
For Residents in Conflict Zones
- Stay Informed: Constantly monitor local news and government advisories.
- Emergency Kits: Keep an emergency kit ready, including essentials like food, water, and first aid supplies.
- Safe Zones: Identify local safe zones or shelters where you can regroup during emergencies.
- Psychological Support: Seek mental health support for trauma-related stress.
Summary of Casualty Data
| Location | Casualties | Injured | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kostiantynivka Supermarket | 12 | 44 | August 2024 |
First-Hand Experiences and Stories
Survivor Stories
Survivors have shared harrowing accounts of their experiences. Each story reflects the chaos and fear that accompany such violence, emphasizing the human cost of military conflict.
Community Resilience
The resilience of the Kostiantynivka residents shines through as they search for ways to rebuild their lives amidst ongoing threats. Community support networks have emerged as vital lifelines for those affected.
