At least 23 civilians were killed and 18 others wounded when Russian aircraft dropped a bomb on Yarova village, Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, on Tuesday, according to Ukrainian officials. Most victims are elderly pensioners gathered together for state benefits collection when this strike took place, reported Financial Times. Attack Details The bombing took place around 12:30 p.m. local time during pension distribution at a mobile post office. Local authorities described this act of “pure terrorism.” President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned this attack as “brutally savage” and urged for a strong international response, according to The Washington Post. Initial investigations indicate that a Soviet-era glide bomb may have been employed in this attack. Such bombs feature wings and guidance systems to enable safe deployment from aircraft at a safe distance from their targets, with such weaponry becoming increasingly used in Russian strikes against Ukrainian civilian areas. According to AP News. International Reaction The United Nations and several Western nations have strongly denounced Russia’s attack, with the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine characterizing it as a violation of international humanitarian law. As a response, European and Western nations pledged increased sanctions on Russia as violence escalates further. Anadolu Ajansi reported on this story. Ongoing Conflict This attack comes amid a series of escalated tensions in Ukraine, such as Russia’s largest aerial assault since the war began which took place Sunday. Glide bombs and heavy munitions continue to pose significant danger to civilian populations in eastern and southern regions of Ukraine. As events develop, Ukrainian authorities are calling for increased international support to bolster air defense systems and limit civilian casualties. Meanwhile, international observers remain on high alert since this conflict shows no sign of abating.
