KRAMATORSK: A Russian rocket strike on a restaurant in Kramatorsk, eastern Ukraine, has resulted in the deaths of at least three people and left more than 40 others wounded, according to local authorities on Tuesday. The Ukrainian police confirmed that Russia fired two S-300 surface-to-air missiles at the city, causing extensive damage and destruction.
Among the victims were three individuals, including a minor born in 2008, whose bodies were recovered from the rubble, as stated by the interior ministry on Telegram. Additionally, a child born in 2022 was among those injured in the attack. The popular Ria Pizza restaurant was completely destroyed in the strike, which occurred while it was crowded with patrons.
Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene as the missile struck. Yevgen, who was dining with friends, stated that they were just about to leave when the explosion occurred. One of his friends was now trapped under the rubble, he reported to AFP. Rescue workers and soldiers swiftly arrived at the scene, where fires continued to burn, to search for survivors.
Russian Strikes Damage Several Buildings
Donetsk governor Pavlo Kyrylenko confirmed that two Russian rockets targeted Kramatorsk, a city that was once home to 150,000 people and remains under Ukrainian control in the war-torn eastern region. The strike also caused damage to several nearby buildings. Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Kramatorsk has been frequently targeted by Russian forces.
Survivors recounted their experiences, describing the sudden impact of the rocket. Ruslan, a cook at the restaurant, stated that he had just arrived when the missile struck, burying him under the debris. Luckily, he managed to escape with injuries. Natalia, tearfully sharing her ordeal, mentioned her half-brother Nikita, who was trapped near the pizza oven. Rescue teams struggled to reach him due to the extensive wreckage.
The incident has further escalated tensions in the region, with Kramatorsk located approximately 30 kilometers (18 miles) from the front line. Witnesses reported hearing the sound of a plane flying before the missile struck, followed by a deafening explosion. Ukrainian soldier “Ghost,” who was nearby at the time, rushed into the restaurant to assist rescue workers in their efforts to save trapped individuals. Despite their efforts, one injured girl remains trapped.
