In a tragic incident on Sunday, a Russian apartment block suffered catastrophic damage, resulting in the loss of at least 15 lives and leaving 20 others injured.
The collapse occurred after fragments of a Soviet-era missile, reportedly launched by Ukraine and intercepted by Russia, struck the building in Belgorod. The assault, described by Russian authorities as a significant missile attack, involved Tochka ballistic missiles and Adler and RM-70 Vampire (MLRS) multiple-launch rocket systems.
Footage from the scene depicted a harrowing sight as approximately 10 stories of the building crumbled, triggering a desperate search for survivors amid the rubble.
Russia’s defense ministry labeled the assault as a “terrorist attack on residential areas,” indicating that at least 12 missiles were involved.
The aftermath of the attack saw emergency services racing against time, with the roof collapsing as they worked to rescue survivors. The toll continued to rise, with Russian news agencies reporting 20 injuries and at least one child missing. Rocket sirens blared, adding urgency to the rescue efforts.
Both Ukraine and Russia disavowed targeting civilians, though the conflict between the two nations, which began in February 2022, has ravaged communities, claiming thousands of lives and displacing millions. The Kremlin condemned the attack as “barbaric,” while Russia’s foreign ministry decried the targeting of civilians as criminal.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated further as Russian forces advanced into Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, seizing multiple villages.
Ukrainian forces struggled to maintain their positions, facing Russian incursions on multiple fronts. Amidst the chaos, President Putin hinted at the possibility of establishing a buffer zone within Ukrainian territory.
The conflict traces its roots back to 2014, following Ukraine’s Maidan Revolution and Russia’s subsequent annexation of Crimea.
Since then, Russian-backed separatist forces have clashed with Ukrainian armed forces, resulting in a staggering death toll, including thousands of civilians, as reported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
