Kyiv: In a tragic incident on Monday, Pokrovsk city in the partially occupied Donetsk region of Ukraine witnessed a devastating attack with 'double-tap' missiles launched by Russia. The strikes, occurring within a 40-minute interval, claimed the lives of at least 7 people and left 81 others injured, according to authorities. Among the victims were a rescue worker, a military personnel, two children, 31 police officers, and seven emergency workers. The attack also caused significant damage to 12 multi-storey buildings, a hotel, and a pharmacy.
The 'double-tap' tactic, previously employed by Russia in Syria's civil war and commonly used in Ukraine since the war began a year ago, deliberately targets emergency workers dispatched to aid victims after the initial strike. Ukraine's National Police chief, Ivan Vyhivskyi, accused Russia of intentionally targeting rescue workers, resulting in further casualties and harm.
In response to the missile strikes, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Russia, accusing them of leaving destruction and devastation in the eastern part of Ukraine. However, it was reported that the popular hotel struck during the second missile attack had been empty for five weeks.
The State Emergency Service resumed debris cleanup in the affected areas, while rescue operations continued near a damaged five-story residential building. The attacks have once again highlighted Russia's alleged violation of international humanitarian law, with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) previously accusing Russia of a similar 'double-tap' attack in Kharkiv and other violations.
Amidst the ongoing conflict, tensions escalated further after Russia announced the halting of a crucial grain deal that facilitated the movement of agricultural goods from Ukraine to other countries. This move further strained relations between the two nations and exacerbated the already volatile situation.
The incident in Donetsk serves as a tragic reminder of the devastating impact of war on civilian populations, as well as the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. As international condemnation mounts against Russia's actions, the situation in Ukraine remains highly precarious, with potential implications for regional and global stability.
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