On July 24, Russian occupation forces intensified their campaign against the civilian population in eastern Ukraine, launching a second wave of airstrikes on the city of Sloviansk in the Donetsk region. According to official reports from the Donetsk Regional Prosecutor’s Office, the strikes specifically targeted residential areas, causing significant harm to civilians.
The latest attack resulted in 16 people being injured, including a 15-year-old boy. Regional authorities have confirmed that medical assistance is being provided to all victims. The physical damage to the city is substantial: 11 multi-story residential buildings, two cafes, a pharmacy, a shop, and a local printing house were destroyed or severely damaged. The local prosecutor’s office has launched a criminal investigation under Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, classifying the strike as a war crime.
This evening attack followed an earlier morning assault on the same day, which claimed the lives of five people and left nine others wounded. The morning strike also damaged the building of the Honorary Consulate of Latvia. Such systematic targeting of urban centers highlights the Russian military’s disregard for international humanitarian law and its persistent strategy of terrorizing non-combatants in the Donbas region.
The situation in Sloviansk reflects the broader, grim reality of the ongoing war, where civilian life remains under constant threat from Russian missile and aerial capabilities. As Ukrainian authorities continue to document these incidents, the focus remains on civilian safety and the necessity of improved defense systems to mitigate the impact of these relentless attacks. The international community continues to monitor these events, emphasizing the need for accountability for war crimes committed on Ukrainian soil. The resilience of the local population is being tested daily as they live under the constant shadow of potential bombardment, underscoring the urgency of international support for Ukraine’s defense.