MOSCOW: An explosion in the center of Russia-controlled Lugansk in eastern Ukraine on Monday left seven people injured, including a Russian-installed senior official and a teenager, according to Leonid Pasechnik, the head of the Russian-backed self-proclaimed Lugansk People’s Republic (LNR).
Pasechnik took to social media to report the incident, stating that four individuals, including a 17-year-old teenager and Igor Kornet, the head of the local interior ministry, were in a serious condition. He expressed concern for their well-being, mentioning that medical professionals were fighting to save their lives.
Preliminary information suggests that the explosion occurred during rush hour and was caused by an explosive device. State news agency RIA Novosti, reporting from Lugansk, revealed that the blast took place in a barber shop situated near the buildings housing the local government and the legislature.
Russia annexed Lugansk last year
Lugansk, located in the eastern region of Ukraine, is one of the four Ukrainian regions that Russia’s President Vladimir Putin claimed to have annexed last year. The region has since been under Russian control, with a self-proclaimed government established by the pro-Russian separatists.
The incident highlights the volatile situation in the region, where sporadic violence and tensions persist despite efforts to find a peaceful resolution. The explosion and resulting injuries serve as a stark reminder of the risks faced by both officials and civilians in the conflict-affected areas.
Authorities are expected to initiate an investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the explosion and identify those responsible. The incident will likely have implications for the security measures in Lugansk and could potentially lead to an increased focus on preventing such acts of violence in the future.
As the injured individuals receive medical treatment, the incident will undoubtedly heighten concerns about the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine and the fragile nature of the situation in Lugansk.
Efforts to achieve durable peace and stability in the region continue to face significant challenges, with incidents like this serving as stark reminders of the need for a comprehensive and sustainable resolution to the conflict.
