Moscow-Installed Leader Confirms Casualties; Initial Reports Point to Ukrainian Strike

In a devastating incident, at least 25 people lost their lives and 20 others sustained injuries in a market strike in the Russian-held city of Donetsk, Eastern Ukraine. Denis Pushilin, the Moscow-installed leader of the Donetsk region, confirmed the toll, emphasizing the severity of the situation as the strike targeted the market during its busiest hours.

Conflict Zone: Donetsk Under Partial Russian Control Since 2014

The strike occurred in Donetsk, a city under partial control by Russian forces or their proxies since 2014. The region has been a focal point of conflict, with Ukrainian forces regularly bombarding the city, located approximately 20 kilometers from the frontline.

Moscow's Annexation Claim: Donetsk Region a Center of Tension

The Donetsk region, claimed to be annexed by Moscow in 2022, remains a center of tension. Initial reports had suggested a Ukrainian strike as the cause, leading to at least 18 lives lost and 13 injuries. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges and tragic consequences faced by the people in this conflicted region.