Russian Strikes Hit Zaporizhzhia and Sloviansk, Causing Civilian Deaths and Destruction.

Strikes Target Ukrainian Cities

According to UATV: On February 1, 2023, Russian military forces launched attacks on the Ukrainian cities of Zaporizhzhia and Sloviansk, resulting in civilian casualties and significant material damage. These assaults are part of a broader pattern of strikes on urban centers far from the front lines. In Zaporizhzhia, a repeated strike on the city wounded two adults and a 4-year-old child. Overall, 18 structures were damaged there, including 13 apartment buildings.

In Sloviansk, located in the Donetsk region, a 43-year-old woman was killed and another local resident was wounded in an airstrike. The Russian army dropped three FAB-250 aerial bombs on Sloviansk, leading to the destruction of 14 multi-story buildings, three cars, a 'Nova Poshta' postal branch, and a co-working center.

Casualties from the Assaults

In Zaporizhzhia, a maternity hospital was attacked at 11:30 on February 1. This incident left six people injured, including two women. Zaporizhzhia City Mayor Ivan Fedorov confirmed the details of the wounded:

'A 4-year-old child and two adults were injured.' - Ivan Fedorov, Mayor of Zaporizhzhia

Sloviansk Mayor Vadym Lyakh also stated:

'The Russian army dropped three FAB-250 aerial bombs on the city.' - Vadym Lyakh, Mayor of Sloviansk

These attacks serve as further evidence of the ongoing war and the suffering endured by the Ukrainian population. The incidents illustrate the continuation of aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, leading to the death and injury of civilians. According to international organizations, such attacks on civilian infrastructure constitute a violation of international humanitarian law. They underscore the importance of international support for Ukraine and the necessity of taking measures to protect civilians in wartime.