Deadly Missile Attack Strikes Southeastern Ukraine
A devastating missile strike rocked the city of Dnipro in southeastern Ukraine on Tuesday, leaving at least 17 people dead and injuring over 200 others, including 18 children. The assault, carried out in two phases, caused extensive damage to apartment buildings, schools, and critical infrastructure, officials confirmed.
The Human Cost and Destruction
Governor Serhiy Lysak reported that the blast wave shattered windows and sent shards of glass flying, affecting many passengers at a local train station. Mayor Borys Filatov described the damage as an "unprecedented amount of destruction" for the city. In the nearby town of Samar, approximately 10 kilometers from Dnipro, two more residents were killed, and vital infrastructure suffered damage.
Zelenskyy Appeals to NATO for Enhanced Support
In response to the attack, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on NATO allies gathered at a summit in the Netherlands to intensify their backing of Ukraine’s defense capabilities. He emphasized the urgency of increasing investments in Ukraine's defense industry and urged a crackdown on the foreign components Russia allegedly uses to manufacture weapons.
Addressing the strike, Zelenskyy stated on social media, "This is not a fight where it’s hard to choose a side. Standing with Ukraine means defending life." The President was also scheduled to meet with the U.S. President on the sidelines of the summit to discuss ongoing support.
Escalating Air Strikes on Ukraine
Russia has recently intensified aerial assaults, particularly targeting Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv. Notably, on June 17, a missile strike in Kyiv killed 28 people, marking the deadliest attack in the capital this year. Additional strikes on Monday claimed another 10 lives in Kyiv and surrounding areas.
Eyewitness Accounts from Dnipro
Residents surveyed the aftermath with shock, witnessing severely damaged buildings and vehicles scattered around. At a nearby church, shattered windows blanketed the altar in glass. Priest Serhii Narolskyi recounted his experience during the attack, recalling how he was holding a service when the air raid siren sounded.
"It happened in a split second. You opened your eyes, and there were no windows or doors anywhere. Everything was in a half-destroyed state," he shared.
Looking Ahead
As the conflict continues with no signs of abating, Ukraine’s leadership is urging the international community to take decisive action. The recent strike in Dnipro underscores the escalating dangers faced by civilians and the urgent need for enhanced global support.
