Rosalind Evans
In a harrowing escalation of violence, a Russian missile strike wreaked havoc on a village near the eastern Ukrainian city of Kupiansk, killing at least 51 individuals. Among the deceased was a child, marking this incident as one of the most devastating against civilians since the onset of the conflict.
Moscow’s forces reportedly targeted a cafe and a shop in Hroza, a village in the Kharkiv region. The timing of the attack, shortly after midday, suggests a calculated move by the aggressors. Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko unveiled the gruesome details, with scenes of emergency personnel meticulously scouring the dense rubble after the assault.
Adding to the poignancy of the tragedy, a wake for a deceased Ukrainian soldier was taking place in the village cafe when the missile hit, killing several of the soldier’s relatives. The soldier’s son, also in the military, and his wife and mother were among the casualties. The missile responsible, an Iskander, has a notorious reputation for its use against Ukraine by the Russians, consistently causing significant civilian casualties.
Hroza’s proximity, only 40 kilometres from the war’s frontlines near Kupiansk, highlights the continued pressure on the Ukrainian military to thwart Moscow’s advances. The strategic significance of Kupiansk is apparent, serving as a pivotal point for Kyiv to prevent Russia from accessing the Oskil River.
In the wake of the attack, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed outrage. Umerov emphasized Kyiv’s need for enhanced defence systems to safeguard against such atrocities. President Zelensky, speaking from a European leaders summit in Spain, denounced the act as a “demonstrably brutal Russian crime,” equating support for Russia with endorsing evil.
Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine’s Prime Minister, echoed this sentiment, deeming the attack both “brutal and cynical.” He underscored the pressing need to counter Russian aggression, emphasizing that international unity and support are imperative.
The global community has noted, with the UN’s humanitarian coordinator in Ukraine, Denise Brown, labelling the strike as a war crime. Brown emphasized that intentionally directing such an assault against civilians or civilian objects is not just a grievous act of violence but a blatant violation of international law.
In the face of such adversity, the resounding call is clear: it is paramount for the international community to rally together, lending unwavering support to Ukraine in its battle against aggression and its quest for justice for its citizens.
