49 Civilians Perish in Russian Attack on Ukrainian Village as President Zelenskyy Solicits Enhanced Western Backing

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In a devastating rocket assault executed by Russia, a minimum of 49 civilians lost their lives on Thursday at a local store in eastern Ukraine. The incident, one of the most lethal in recent history, coincided with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s participation in a European summit held in Spain, where he sought increased support from allied nations.

Condemning the attack on Hroza village’s store and cafe, President Zelenskyy labeled it as an “overtly heinous act of Russian violence” and “a calculated act of terrorism.”

Calling for amplified assistance from Western nations, Zelenskyy emphasized the necessity to bolster Ukraine’s aerial defenses, asserting that “Russian acts of terror must be halted.”

“Russia instigates such terroristic assaults for a singular purpose: to normalize its genocidal invasions on a global scale,” he articulated. “Our discussions with European leaders at present particularly revolve around reinforcing our aerial defenses, augmenting our military strength, and safeguarding our nation from acts of terrorism. Retribution against the terrorists is forthcoming.”

Further Developments on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

• German authorities conduct raids on properties owned by a Russian individual subject to sanctions.
• A European summit in Spain underscores collective support for Ukraine, as Zelenskyy advocates for additional aid.
• Ukrainian military operations target a significant Crimean city, following an attack on the headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.

Andrii Yermak, Presidential Chief of Staff, and Kharkiv Governor Oleh Syniehubov confirmed that among the deceased was a 6-year-old boy and reported that an additional six individuals sustained injuries.

The rocket attack transpired as President Zelenskyy was present in Granada, Spain, participating in a summit organized by the European Political Community, convened in response to Russia’s extensive invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

“A crucial priority for us, especially as winter approaches, is the enhancement of our air defense capabilities, and we already have the groundwork for new collaborative agreements,” President Zelenskyy disclosed through a statement on his Telegram channel.

Last winter witnessed Russia’s targeted strikes on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, including the energy grid, via a continuous series of missile and drone incursions. Though the Ukrainian power infrastructure has demonstrated remarkable resilience, concerns persist about Russia intensifying its assaults, particularly as winter approaches.

Additionally, the Granada summit agenda included discussions on “collaborative efforts for global food security and preserving freedom of navigation” in the Black Sea. This comes after Russia has disrupted Ukrainian port activities following its withdrawal from a United Nations-backed grain deal aimed at securing safe grain export routes.

The U.K. Foreign Office has reported intelligence indicating that Russia might deploy sea mines near Ukrainian ports, with the intent to disrupt civilian maritime activities while casting the blame on Ukraine.

Addressing the summit in Granada, President Zelenskyy underscored the importance of maintaining European solidarity against Russian propaganda and staying resolute amid political turbulence in the United States. In light of a recent visit to Washington, Zelenskyy expressed confidence in continued strong support from both the Biden administration and Congress.

Calling for further resources, President Zelenskyy advocated for “enhanced air defense systems, supplementary artillery and munitions, and additional long-range missiles and drones for the Ukrainian military,” to fortify Europe against possible Russian aggression.

Earlier on Thursday, Russia directed drone assaults on Ukraine’s southern regions. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 24 out of 29 Iranian-made drones that Russia launched targeting Odesa, Mykolaiv, and Kirovohrad.

Andriy Raykovych, the head of the Kirovohrad regional administration, reported a strike on an infrastructure facility, leading to a subsequent fire. He confirmed there were no casualties.

Other Russian engagements on Ukrainian soil resulted in civilian casualties and injuries. These attacks included shelling in the southern city of Kherson, as well as strikes in the eastern Donetsk region.

In a separate incident, a Russian bombardment severely damaged a hospital in Beryslav, Kherson region, injuring two healthcare workers, as disclosed by regional administration chief Oleksandr Prokudin.

In retaliation, Ukraine has carried out reciprocal drone attacks across the Russian border. Roman Starovoit, the governor of Russia’s Kursk region, stated that Ukrainian drones targeted infrastructure, causing power outages. Additionally, Ukrainian artillery shelled the border town of Rylsk, injuring a resident and causing property damage.

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Contributors to this report include Dasha Litvinova and Yuras Karmanau, based in Tallinn, Estonia.

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More about Ukraine-Russian Rocket Attack

• BBC News: Russia strike on cafe kills 49 in Ukraine
• Reuters: Ukraine’s Zelenskyy seeks stronger Western support after deadly rocket attack
• The Washington Post: Ukraine targets key Crimean city
• The Guardian: Russia may lay sea mines in approach to Ukrainian ports, UK says
• ABC News: Ukrainian air defenses intercept most Russian drones
• CNN: Ukraine strikes back with drones in border regions