At least 21 people have been killed following a Russian air strike on the eastern Ukrainian village of Yarova, local officials confirmed, marking one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in recent weeks. President Volodymyr Zelensky described the victims as ordinary residents who were going about their daily lives, collecting pensions at the time of the attack.
Donetsk regional leader Vadym Filashkin said emergency services rushed to the scene, where responders discovered that as many people were injured as had lost their lives. The injured are reportedly being treated in nearby hospitals, with authorities struggling to cope with the scale of the devastation. Filashkin urged international attention to the incident, emphasizing the human toll of continued Russian bombardments in the region.
Yarova is situated north of Slovyansk, a major city in Donetsk province, and lies not far from the front lines where Russian forces have been advancing gradually. The village, normally a quiet settlement, has found itself increasingly exposed to attacks as the conflict grinds on. Residents described a scene of chaos and panic following the strike, with local authorities and emergency personnel working tirelessly to recover victims and provide aid.
The Russian assault comes amid a prolonged phase of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, now entering its 42nd month since Russia launched its full-scale invasion. Civilians continue to bear the brunt of military operations, with villages like Yarova caught in the crossfire. Zelensky condemned the strike as a deliberate attack on innocent people, calling for international accountability and stronger measures to protect civilians.
Eyewitnesses reported that the village was heavily damaged, with homes and community buildings suffering significant destruction. Many of the casualties were elderly residents who had been queuing to collect pensions from local offices. Survivors spoke of terrifying moments as the explosions rocked the settlement, sending people fleeing in every direction. Emergency services described difficulties accessing certain areas due to debris and ongoing safety concerns.
21 killed in Russian strike on pension queue, Ukrainian says
If verified, the death toll in Yarova would rank among the heaviest inflicted on Ukrainian civilians in recent weeks. This tragic incident highlights the continued vulnerability of non-combatants in contested areas and the persistent threat posed by indiscriminate bombardments. Humanitarian organizations operating in the region have warned of the urgent need for aid, medical supplies, and psychological support for the affected population.
The strike also underscores the challenges faced by local authorities in eastern Ukraine, where Russian advances have made civilian protection a constant concern. Regional officials have called on the international community to increase support for Ukraine, including the provision of air defense systems capable of intercepting such attacks and reducing civilian casualties.
Ukrainian forces have reported slow but steady progress in countering Russian movements in the east, but the conflict continues to be characterized by artillery strikes, air raids, and periodic ground skirmishes. Villages along the front line remain exposed to sudden attacks, forcing residents to seek shelter and endure ongoing disruptions to daily life.
President Zelensky, in his nightly address, mourned the victims and reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to defending its territory and protecting its citizens. He urged the world to recognize the human cost of Russia’s continued aggression and to increase diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to bring relief to affected communities.
As investigations continue, Ukrainian authorities are compiling lists of casualties and assessing the full extent of the damage in Yarova. Recovery and reconstruction efforts will be challenging, given the ongoing hostilities and limited access to some areas. International human rights organizations have called for a thorough investigation into the air strike, stressing that targeting civilians constitutes a violation of international law.
The tragic attack in Yarova serves as a stark reminder of the enduring risks faced by civilians in conflict zones and the urgency of measures to prevent further loss of life. Ukrainian officials have pledged to support survivors and ensure that aid reaches those in need, while continuing to document violations for potential accountability. The incident adds to the growing toll of human suffering in eastern Ukraine, as the war enters its fourth year.
Source – BBC
