Missile attack on house
Rescue workers hear shouts in the rubble of Dnipro
01/15/2023 01:21 am
On Saturday the “terrorists” from Russia strike again. In the first air raid since New Year’s Eve, they destroy a residential building in Ukraine. In the rubble of Dnipro, rescue teams and volunteers search for survivors with their bare hands.
At least 12 people were killed in a Russian rocket attack on an inhabited skyscraper in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, according to preliminary information from the authorities. 64 people were injured, including at least 12 children, the authorities said in the evening. Previously, nine dead and 60 injured were reported. A 15-year-old girl is said to be among the dead.
There are still survivors in the rubble, said a spokesman for the emergency services. Sometimes rescue teams and volunteers search for victims with their bare hands. “Some send text messages,” Dnipro’s deputy mayor said in a video on social media. You can also hear shouts coming from the rubble.
The rocket attack is said to have destroyed 72 apartments. A total of between 100 and 200 people were reported in the house, the authorities say. More than 1000 people would have to be cared for in warm accommodation.
According to Ukrainian media reports, residents buried in the rubble also used their flashlights on mobile phones in the dark to indicate where they were under the rubble in order to be rescued. Many also screamed, according to videos posted on social media.
“Russians are terrorists”
These residents were lucky: They “only” lost their belongings.
(Photo: picture alliance/dpa/AP)
The Presidential Administration in Kyiv has released photos and videos of the ruined building. The head of the presidential office in Kyiv, Andriy Yermak, was appalled: “Russians are terrorists who will be punished for everything. Everyone – without exception.” He said that the anti-aircraft and air force were doing their job. “We will fight back,” he stressed. The enemy does not change tactics and continues to strike civilian infrastructure.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also condemned “Russian terror”. With regard to the salvage work, he said: “We are fighting for every human being, for every life.” Those responsible for this bloody deed would be found and punished.
First major attack since New Year’s Eve
The rocket hit in Dnipro was the most momentous of several attacks on Saturday. There were air alerts throughout the country at times. It was the first major Russian attack of this kind since the turn of the year. The Ukrainian military said 25 of 38 Russian missiles were shot down on Saturday.
The Ukrainian Air Force had previously warned of possible new attacks. Accordingly, numerous Russian long-range bombers of the Tupolev Tu-95 type were in the air during the day. In addition, Russian warships had taken up positions in the Black Sea, from which rockets are also repeatedly fired.