Sourced fact
The News
Twenty-two people, including five children, were killed in a Russian missile strike that hit a residential building in the city of Berdiansk in northern Ukraine. The strike destroyed 30 apartments while their residents were sleeping. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared this attack as one of the dirtiest Russian attacks, noting that the attack might have been a birthday gift for Putin, who turned 74 on the same day. Ukrainian authorities reported that three of the children killed were only one year old, and one child died alongside his mother and grandmother.
Across Ukraine, 28 people were killed in Russian attacks targeting various parts of the country. Local authorities reported that more than 430 apartments and houses were damaged in the attack on the city of Kremenchuk. Rescue teams in Berdiansk spent hours searching for victims under the debris of a five-story building. Later in the evening, rescue teams reported finding the body of a fifth child at the attack site, while three more bodies were found at night.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhiy Shmyhal stated that child Sasha died alongside his mother Kateryna and grandmother Victoria, and that the child’s older sister Olga was the only survivor. According to local authorities, the family lived on the fifth floor, and Victoria was taking care of Sasha.
Analysis & context
Analysis & Context
Analytically, this attack is part of Russia's strategy to target civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, including energy facilities and residential areas. This strategy aims to weaken the morale of Ukrainian citizens and undermine the country's ability to resist.
In a broader context, Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine continue, exacerbating the humanitarian situation in the country. This attack also reflects the challenges Ukraine faces in defending itself against Russian attacks, as Zelensky highlighted the need for defensive support from allies.
It is also noteworthy that Russian attacks in the Black Sea have increased in recent weeks, suggesting that Russia is seeking to enhance its control over the maritime area surrounding Ukraine.
