**Russian Attacks in Donetsk Oblast Leave 5 Dead and Many Injured**
On July 6, Russian attacks on two towns in Donetsk Oblast resulted in the deaths of five people and left many others injured. Governor Vadim Filashkin reported that the attacks took place in Kostiantynivka and Druzhkivka, both front-line towns.
According to Filashkin, four people were killed and one person was injured in Kostiantynivka. The town suffered significant damage, with 14 homes, four high-rise buildings, an administrative building, a car, and five power lines being damaged or destroyed by Russian airstrikes and missile attacks. In Druzhkivka, a Russian drone killed one person.
**Warning to Residents**
Filashkin warned residents of Kostiantynivka and Druzhkivka that their towns are “under constant enemy fire.” He urged people to evacuate the area and relocate to safer regions of Ukraine. This warning comes after Filashkin reported in late June that Kostiantynivka was facing an imminent “humanitarian catastrophe” due to its proximity to Russian-occupied areas.
**Escalating Conflict**
The attacks on Kostiantynivka and Druzhkivka are part of a larger escalation of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. In recent months, Moscow has pushed westward beyond its gains around other nearby towns. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russian forces launched 157 Shahed drones and four S-300 anti-aircraft missiles against Ukraine overnight.
**International Concern**
The international community is taking notice of the escalating conflict. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that Russia is “reconstituting itself at a pace and a speed which is unparalleled in recent history.” The slowdown in Russian military activity may indicate that Western sanctions are having an impact on the Russian economy, although the full extent of this effect remains unclear.
**Humanitarian Crisis**
The attacks on Kostiantynivka and Druzhkivka highlight the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine. Civilians are caught in the crossfire, and many have been forced to flee their homes due to the intense fighting. The international community must continue to provide support to those affected by this conflict.
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