Russia Accuses Ukraine of Deadly Missile Strike on Donetsk Supermarket

Russia has accused Ukraine of launching a missile strike on a supermarket in the Russian-controlled city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, resulting in two civilian deaths and two injuries, according to reports from Russian state media.

Allegations of HIMARS Usage

The Russian state news agency RIA reported that investigators believe the attack involved a U.S.-supplied HIMARS missile system. These claims have not been independently verified, and Ukraine has yet to comment on the allegations.

Visual Evidence and Local Impact

Unverified photos circulating on social media show the aftermath of the attack, including a charred vehicle and a heavily damaged circular two-story supermarket named Moloko (Milk). Dashcam footage from a nearby vehicle captured the moment of the explosion, showing a large fireball and flames engulfing the area.

Reuters verified the location of the incident through satellite imagery and confirmed the date from the timestamp on the footage.

Additional Damages

Denis Pushilin, a senior Russian-backed official, stated on Telegram that the missile strike occurred during the morning rush hour, damaging nearby buildings and approximately 15 vehicles. Pushilin also claimed that Ukrainian forces struck an apartment building in Svitlodarsk, another area in the Donetsk region, killing one woman and injuring four others.

Broader Context

This incident comes amid ongoing tensions in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with both sides trading accusations over civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. The use of advanced weaponry such as HIMARS has been a contentious issue, with Russia frequently accusing Ukraine of using Western-supplied arms to target civilian areas.