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Russian Missile Attack on Ukrainian Village Results in 51 Fatalities, According to Ukrainian Authorities, While Zelenskyy Solicits Increased Western Backing

by Lucas Garcia
9 comments
Russian missile strike

A missile attack by Russia on a village in eastern Ukraine led to the death of a minimum of 51 civilians, marking it one of the most fatal assaults in recent months of the ongoing conflict. This information was confirmed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other high-ranking officials in Kyiv.

The assault occurred concurrently with President Zelenskyy’s participation in a summit involving approximately 50 European leaders in Spain, aimed at garnering additional support for Ukraine. He condemned the attack on the village of Hroza as an overtly heinous act perpetrated by Russia and characterized it as a calculated act of terrorism.

Key aides to the President, Andrii Yermak and Kharkiv Governor Oleh Syniehubov, revealed that a child aged six was among the casualties. They also indicated that an additional seven individuals sustained injuries. Prior to the conflict, the village of Hroza in northeastern Kharkiv had an estimated population of 500.

Internal Affairs Minister Ihor Klymenko confirmed that about 60 people were present in the café at the time of the attack, attending a wake following a funeral. According to initial reports from Kyiv, an Iskander missile was responsible for the attack. Ukrainian emergency services were dispatched to sift through the debris of damaged structures, while prosecutors released images depicting the aftermath, including the bodies of victims.

The village, along with other regions in eastern Kharkiv, had been occupied by Russian forces early in the war but was retaken by Ukrainian forces in September 2022. Hroza is situated just 30 kilometers west of Kupiansk, an area crucial to Russian military efforts. Zelenskyy had visited the area earlier in the week to meet with military personnel and to inspect equipment supplied by Western nations.

During his attendance at the European Political Community summit in Granada, Spain, Zelenskyy reiterated his plea for heightened Western backing, emphasizing that Russia’s acts of terror needed to be curtailed. “This form of Russian aggression aims to normalize genocidal acts on an international scale,” he declared, outlining Ukraine’s current dialogues with European leaders about fortifying the country’s air defenses and military capabilities.

Last winter witnessed Russia’s systematic attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, causing widespread power outages throughout the country. Although Ukraine’s power system has demonstrated resilience, concerns remain that Russia might intensify its strikes as winter approaches.

Zelenskyy also disclosed that discussions at the Granada summit would address global food security and maritime safety in the Black Sea, following Russia’s exit from a United Nations-backed grain deal that had ensured secure grain exports from Ukrainian ports.

United Kingdom intelligence indicated that Russia could potentially deploy sea mines near Ukrainian ports to imperil civilian shipping while attributing such acts to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Zelenskyy urged the importance of European unity in combating Russian disinformation and sustaining strength amid U.S. political instability.

When questioned about potential wavering support from the U.S. Congress, Zelenskyy affirmed his confidence in sustained American backing, following his recent visit to Washington. He called for enhanced military aid, including advanced air defense systems, artillery, and long-range missiles, to shield Europe from potential Russian aggression.

In parallel developments, Russian drone strikes targeted southern Ukrainian regions. Ukrainian air defenses claimed to have intercepted 24 of the 29 Iranian-made drones launched at Odesa, Mykolaiv, and Kirovohrad. Ukrainian forces have also launched retaliatory drone attacks across the Russian border, affecting infrastructure and causing power outages in Russia’s Kursk region, according to Governor Roman Starovoit.

Additional contributions by Big Big News writers Dasha Litvinova and Yuras Karmanau in Tallinn, Estonia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Russian missile attack

What happened in the Russian missile attack in eastern Ukraine?

A Russian missile struck a village cafe and store in the village of Hroza in eastern Ukraine, resulting in the death of at least 51 civilians. This was one of the deadliest attacks in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Where did President Volodymyr Zelenskyy happen to be during the attack?

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was in Spain attending a summit with about 50 European leaders. The summit aimed to secure additional support for Ukraine from its allies.

How did President Zelenskyy respond to the attack?

President Zelenskyy denounced the attack as a “demonstrably brutal Russian crime” and as a “completely deliberate act of terrorism.” He called for heightened Western backing to help Ukraine deal with Russian aggression.

Who were the victims of the attack?

A minimum of 51 civilians were killed, including a 6-year-old boy. Seven other people were wounded. The attack occurred while approximately 60 people were attending a wake after a funeral in a café in the village.

What type of missile was used in the attack?

According to initial information from Ukrainian authorities, an Iskander missile was used in the attack on the village of Hroza.

What was the status of the village of Hroza before and after the conflict?

Before the conflict, the village had an estimated population of about 500 people. It was located in the northeastern Kharkiv region and had been seized by Russia early in the war. Ukrainian forces recaptured the village in September 2022.

How is this event affecting Ukraine’s international relations?

President Zelenskyy used the incident to bolster his plea for increased Western support, particularly from European nations, during his attendance at a European summit in Spain. The attack underscores the urgent need for international backing to combat Russia’s aggressive actions.

What other actions has Russia been involved in regarding Ukraine?

Russia has been involved in systematic attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and has targeted ports in the Black Sea. These actions have led to widespread power outages and disruption in grain exports.

What is the broader context of this incident in the Russia-Ukraine conflict?

This deadly attack is part of a protracted conflict between Russia and Ukraine that has escalated since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. It marks one of the deadliest incidents and has heightened tensions and urgency in international forums.

What actions has Ukraine taken in retaliation?

Ukraine has launched drone attacks across the Russian border, affecting infrastructure and causing power outages in Russia’s Kursk region. Ukrainian forces have also fired artillery at the border town of Rylsk in Russia.

More about Russian missile attack

  • Ukraine-Russia Conflict Overview
  • President Zelenskyy’s Official Statement on Missile Attack
  • European Summit in Spain 2023
  • Russia’s Previous Attacks on Ukraine’s Infrastructure
  • Western Support for Ukraine in Ongoing Conflict
  • Ukrainian Military Response to Russian Aggression
  • Analysis of Russia-Ukraine Relations
  • Iskander Missiles and Their Capabilities

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9 comments

Rachel G. October 5, 2023 - 7:09 pm

I hope Zelenskyy’s calls for support don’t fall on deaf ears this time. Its high time world leaders stepped up.

Reply
Sarah W. October 5, 2023 - 7:58 pm

This just proves that Zelenskyy needs more than just words from Western leaders. Like, actually do something. Enough talk.

Reply
Emily L. October 5, 2023 - 9:05 pm

The details about the missile type and the emergency response are important. It’s not just the tragedy but also how equipped they are to deal with it.

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Mike O. October 5, 2023 - 9:48 pm

What kind of world are we living in where a village cafe is a target. its a wake-up call for everyone, everywhere.

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Laura B. October 5, 2023 - 11:06 pm

Attacks like this have a ripple effect, affecting diplomacy, economy, everything. It’s not just a Ukrainian problem, it’s a global issue now.

Reply
Alan K. October 6, 2023 - 12:27 am

This is a complex geopolitical mess. Just reading about Zelenskyy’s summit in Spain makes me wonder what it’s gonna take for effective international intervention.

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Sam T. October 6, 2023 - 3:18 am

Unbelievable, it’s been months of conflict and still, things are getting worse not better. When is this gonna end?

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John D. October 6, 2023 - 6:27 am

This is horrific. Cant believe 51 innocent lives gone just like that. And a child among them? Absolutely devastating.

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Peter Q. October 6, 2023 - 12:56 pm

The Iskander missile? That’s high-level military tech. This wasn’t a random attack, it was calculated, and that’s terrifying.

Reply

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