At least 17 killed, dozens hurt in Russian attack on Ukraine's Kostiantynivka: officials

At least 17 civilians were killed and dozens wounded in a Russian missile attack on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kostiantynivka on Wednesday, authorities said.

Smoke billows after a Russian missile strike on a crowded market in Kostyantynivka, in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, on Wednesday, September 6, 2023.

Photo: EPA/ALEX BABENKO

A child was among the dead, according to Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

Horrific act of terrorism perpetrated by russia in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk region.
As a result of the central market shelling 16 people were killed, among them a child. A minimum of 20 have sustained injuries. My heartfelt condolences to the families and close ones affected. I… pic.twitter.com/5tF0Ecu0Fx

— Denys Shmyhal (@Denys_Shmyhal) September 6, 2023

The number of injured in #Kostyantynivka increased to 31 people

Preliminarily, 20 stores, power lines, an administrative building and the 5th floor of a residential building were damaged. Cars and 8 commercial objects were burned to the ground.

Search and rescue operation… pic.twitter.com/4tG14n6WmI

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) September 6, 2023

President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, saying on the X social media platform that "Russian terrorists have attacked a regular market, shops, and a pharmacy, killing innocent people."

‼️ The moment of the Russian strike on the market in #Kostyantynivka. pic.twitter.com/6QutxR3ybs

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) September 6, 2023

‼️ Russian occupiers hit the central market in #Kostyantynivka. There were many people in the market at the time of the strike. It is reported that there are victims. pic.twitter.com/oB2aRJwddo

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) September 6, 2023

Zelensky added: "Anyone in the world who is still dealing with anything Russian simply ignores this reality. Heinous evil. Brazen wickedness. Utter inhumanity. My condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one. The Russian evil must be defeated as soon as possible."

At least 16 people have been killed by Russian shelling in Kostyantynivka, Donetsk region. Russian terrorists have attacked a regular market, shops, and a pharmacy, killing innocent people. The number of casualties could rise further.

Anyone in the world who is still dealing… pic.twitter.com/PRfuGih2JD

— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 6, 2023

The attack coincided with a visit to Kyiv by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the Reuters news agency reported.

Injury toll in missile strike on Kostiantynivka rises to 31 https://t.co/flTKlJHiOo

— Ukrinform-EN (@Ukrinform_News) September 6, 2023

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, launching the largest military campaign in Europe since World War II.

Wednesday is day 560 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Glad to welcome @SecBlinken to Kyiv. Our focus has been on protecting 🇺🇦 energy infrastructure. We appreciate continued support and military assistance of 🇺🇸. We also discussed strengthening our economic cooperation, cooperation with 🇺🇸 businesses and progress in implementing… pic.twitter.com/1RQj5mXhXf

— Denys Shmyhal (@Denys_Shmyhal) September 6, 2023

(gs)

Source: PAP, Reuters, ukrinform.net