Russian attack on Ukraine market kills five
Russian attack on Ukraine market kills five
In southern Ukraine, a drone strike targeting a market resulted in five fatalities, including a 14-year-old girl, according to the prosecutor general’s office. The assault occurred at 09:50 local time (06:50 GMT) in Nikopol, a town situated across the Dnipro river from areas under Russian control. Images released by the regional prosecutor depict shattered market stalls littered with metal, glass, and food remnants.
“The attack caused severe damage to the market area,” stated the prosecutor general’s office, noting the casualties.
Following this, at least 15 civilians were killed in drone and missile strikes nationwide on Friday. Meanwhile, Ukraine retaliated with a strike on Taganrog, a southern Russian city, overnight. Russia reported one fatality and four serious injuries from the attack. The regional governor, Yuri Slyusar, mentioned that the strike ignited a fire at a logistics company’s premises.
“A fire broke out in the logistics company’s building during the attack,” said Yuri Slyusar.
A Ukrainian Defence Ministry official accused Russian air defence operations of causing the casualties. Kyiv also claimed to have targeted a factory in Togliatti, alleging it produced military equipment for Russia. Nikopol has been frequently bombed, with over half its 100,000 residents relocating for safety. However, the Saturday morning strikes struck a crowded area, leading to a high toll of victims.
“The casualties were caused by Russian air defence operations,” claimed a Ukrainian official.
Two additional men were injured in a second attack on the same market site, the prosecutor added, as investigations into the incident continue as potential war crimes. President Zelensky proposed a ceasefire during the Easter holidays, but Moscow has not acknowledged the offer. Russia launched nearly 300 drones overnight, with reports of casualties in Kharkiv and the Sumy region. Meanwhile, Moscow claimed to have intercepted 85 Ukrainian drones.
“Ukrainian air force confirmed the launch of 300 Russian drones overnight,” the report noted.
Russian daytime attacks, previously uncommon, have surged. This escalation coincides with the stagnation of US-led peace initiatives, which have lost momentum since Donald Trump’s administration shifted attention to the Middle East conflict.