The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has raised an alarm regarding a troubling surge in Russian airstrikes targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, particularly as the winter season approaches.
Marysia Zapasnik, the Ukraine Country Director for the IRC, expressed deep concern, stating, “We are worryingly witnessing an increased number of attacks on critical infrastructure, even in places which had been considered relatively safe until now.” She emphasized that many homes and power grids, previously damaged, have not received full repairs. Additionally, the region is now grappling with constant shelling and the tragic consequences of landmines and other unexploded ordnance, leading to daily loss of life.
“As temperatures plummet, Ukraine is likely to endure more intensified missile strikes and widespread destruction,” she continued. “The combination of ongoing conflict, damaged infrastructure, and harsh weather conditions can make life incredibly challenging for the people living in affected areas.”
Tragically, on Thursday, a Russian rocket strike on a village store in Groza, eastern Ukraine. So resulted in the loss of at least 51 civilian lives, marking one of the deadliest attacks in recent months. This devastating attack, which included the tragic death of a child, occurred during the funeral of a Ukrainian soldier.
President Zelenskyy strongly condemned the assault on the store. And cafe in the village of Hroza, labeling it a “demonstrably brutal Russian crime”. And “a completely deliberate act of terrorism.” He urged Western allies to provide support in bolstering Ukraine’s air defenses. And emphasizing the urgent need to halt Russian terror activities, saying, “Russian terror must be stopped.”
On Thursday, Russia’s president made a claim regarding the plane crash that resulted in the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin. He asserted that a hand grenade detonation caused the crash and even suggested the possibility that Prigozhin may have been under the influence of drugs at the time.
Yevgeny Prigozhin, a notorious figure known for his ties to mercenary activities. He tragically lost his life when his private plane crashed on August 23. This incident occurred just two months after he had initiated an unsuccessful mutiny against the Kremlin.
In his first public comments regarding the crash, President Putin implied that the plane had been sabotaged from the inside. He mentioned that the head of Russia’s investigative committee had recently briefed him on this matter. Russian airstrikes targeting civilians
Russia has reported the interception of eight Ukrainian drones in western Russia on Thursday evening, without specifying any potential damage or injuries resulting from these incidents. Russian air defenses intercepted these drones over the Belgorod and Kursk regions.
Since Kyiv initiated its counter-offensive in June. Russia has repeatedly accused Ukraine of launching drone attacks or artillery shelling into its territory. And with such allegations occurring nearly on a daily basis. In most cases, these attacks lack a discernible military objective. And generally result in no casualties or damage, Especially when Russian air defenses frequently intercept them.
However, experts, as reported by Euronews in September, have suggested that there may be strategic motivations behind Kyiv’s use of drones against Russia. Indicating that these actions serve specific strategic objectives.