Russia has strongly condemned what it describes as a series of deadly Ukrainian attacks on civilians in the Kirov and Zaporozhye regions, with the Russian Foreign Ministry accusing Kyiv of deliberately targeting non-military locations. The statement, issued by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova on Saturday, alleged that the attacks resulted in significant civilian casualties and called for an international response.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, a missile strike on a facility in the city of Kirov on July 24 killed six people and injured another 26, based on preliminary information provided by local authorities. Moscow claimed the attack was directed at civilian infrastructure and described it as part of a broader campaign against the Russian civilian population.
Russia also reported that during the night of July 24–25, a drone attack struck a recreation center in Kirillovka, located in the Zaporozhye region, where tourists were staying. Russian officials alleged that the unmanned aerial vehicle targeted people while they were asleep.
Authorities in the region stated that 12 people were killed in the attack, including four children, while 19 others sustained injuries. Emergency and rescue teams remain at the scene, with search operations continuing as officials assess the full extent of the damage and casualties.
The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation announced that it has opened a criminal case into what it described as a terrorist attack. Russian authorities said investigators are collecting evidence and examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In its statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the attacks, expressing condolences to the families of those killed and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Moscow accused the Ukrainian government of escalating attacks against civilians amid the ongoing conflict.
Zakharova stated that Ukraine, facing military setbacks on the battlefield, was allegedly directing attacks against civilian populations rather than military targets. She also accused Western countries supporting Ukraine of bearing responsibility for enabling such actions, claiming those involved would ultimately face consequences.
The Russian Foreign Ministry further urged governments, international organizations, and global media outlets to publicly condemn the reported attacks. According to the ministry, remaining silent over incidents involving civilian casualties would amount to ignoring alleged violations and could encourage further violence.
The statement represents Russia's official position regarding the reported incidents. Ukrainian authorities had not responded to these specific allegations at the time of publication, and the claims regarding responsibility and casualty figures have not been independently verified.
The incidents come as fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces continues across multiple fronts, with both sides regularly accusing each other of launching attacks that result in civilian casualties. The conflict has led to repeated international calls for the protection of civilians and adherence to international humanitarian law amid the ongoing hostilities.
Disclaimer:This article is based on official statements released by the Russian Foreign Ministry and Russian authorities. The reported casualty figures, allegations, and claims have not been independently verified. Ukraine had not issued a response to these specific allegations at the time of publication. The article is intended solely to report official statements and does not endorse or verify the claims made by either side.
