**Russian Forces Launch Deadly Barrage on Donetsk Region, Killing and Wounding Dozens**
In a shocking display of military might, Russian forces launched a barrage of drone and air strikes across Ukraine’s Donetsk region on July 18, killing at least four civilians and injuring over a dozen others. The attacks were widespread, targeting multiple settlements in the region.
**Rodynske Hit by FPV Drone**
One of the most devastating strikes took place in the town of Rodynske, where an FPV drone targeted a vehicle belonging to a volunteer organization evacuating civilians. The 42-year-old driver and two evacuees – a 77-year-old man and a 67-year-old woman – were all seriously injured, including traumatic brain wounds.
**Kostyantynivka Under Air Assault**
Just 30 minutes later, the city of Kostyantynivka came under air assault. Russian forces dropped three FAB-250 aerial bombs with guidance modules on the area, killing a 66-year-old woman and seriously injuring her 64-year-old husband.
**Widespread Destruction in Donetsk Region**
The attacks were not limited to these two incidents. In total, at least 16 private homes, vehicles, and a gas pipeline were damaged in Kostyantynivka alone. Ukrainian prosecutors have opened criminal investigations into these attacks as war crimes under Articles 438.1 and 438.2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
**Other Settlements Hit**
Pokrovsk was struck by an FPV drone, killing two civilians and injuring another. Kramatorsk was attacked by seven drones, injuring six residents and damaging multiple residential buildings and administrative infrastructure. Myrnohrad saw one person injured in artillery shelling. Andriivka, in Kramatorsk district, was hit by enemy FPV drones, wounding a civilian and damaging a government building and private home.
**Commentary**
The scale of these attacks is staggering, and it’s clear that Russian forces are continuing to escalate their military campaign against Ukraine. The targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure is a war crime, and those responsible must be held accountable.
**Deeper Analysis**
The use of FPV drones in these attacks is particularly concerning. These drones are highly maneuverable and can be used to target specific individuals or locations with precision. Their use suggests that Russian forces are trying to achieve a higher level of accuracy and effectiveness in their attacks, which could have serious implications for the people of Donetsk region.
**Conclusion**
The situation on the ground in Donetsk region is dire, and it’s clear that civilians are bearing the brunt of this conflict. The international community must come together to condemn these actions and hold Russia accountable for its crimes. The victims of these attacks deserve justice, and it’s our duty to ensure that they receive it.
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