The Ukrainian publication Ukrainska Pravda has learned that more than 20 Ukrainian soldiers from the assault brigade were killed in the attack that took place on Friday in the southern Zaporizhia region.
The AFP news agency could not immediately verify the circumstances of the attack.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov called the incident a tragedy and ordered a thorough investigation.
“We must make every effort to protect our people and give fair answers to the families and friends of fallen soldiers,” he said Saturday night.
The Ukrainian military confirmed that several soldiers were killed, but did not say how many were killed.
“On November 3, the enemy organized treacherous attacks in the direction of Zaporizhia,” it was said on Saturday.
“Primarily, it fired an Iskander-M missile at soldiers of the 128th Mountain Assault Brigade, who were killed and the local population sustained various injuries,” the military added.
A Ukrainian soldier claimed on social media that 22 soldiers from the brigade who had gathered for the awards ceremony were killed.
“Everyone is writing that ‘Heroes are dead.’ Although it would be more appropriate to write “Heroes became victims”, said soldier Ivan Savyckis.
“They have become victims of military primitive traditionalism in its worst form,” he said.
In Ukraine’s western Uzkarpattia region, where the assault brigade is based, three days of mourning will be announced from Monday, local governor Viktoras Mykyta said.
“Our heroes live as long as their memory and their deeds live,” he said on Sunday.
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2024-10-03 19:52:47
