**Russia’s Aerial Assault on Ukraine Continues: Pavlohrad Suffers Devastating Attacks**
Pavlohrad, a city in eastern Ukraine that has become a key hub for humanitarian aid and refugee evacuation, was hit by one of its most severe attacks yet. Governor Serhii Lysak reported the devastating strikes on July 19, describing it as “a hellish night and morning” for the city.
The attack, which included missiles and drones, caused significant damage to high-rise buildings, homes, and an educational institution. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far. However, the situation is grim, with fires burning across the city, and police and aid workers scrambling to respond to the emergency.
**Pavlohrad: A City Under Pressure**
As Russian forces continue their efforts to capture nearby cities like Pokrovsk, Pavlohrad has become a new evacuation hub for those fleeing the fighting. Prior to the war, the city was home to around 100,000 people. Today, it’s overflowing with refugees and volunteers who are arriving to aid those displaced by the conflict.
The city is strategically located just 76 kilometers (42 miles) from the front lines, making it a prime target for Russian attacks. For several months now, Russian troops have been attempting to enter the central-eastern Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, where Pavlohrad is situated.
**Russia’s Escalating Aerial Attacks**
The attack on Pavlohrad was part of a series of overnight strikes that targeted multiple regions across Ukraine using missiles, drones, and artillery. The strikes have resulted in at least seven deaths and over 30 injuries nationwide. Russia has significantly stepped up its nightly aerial attacks since the start of the year, with civilian casualties reaching a three-year high last month.
According to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, 232 civilians were killed and 1,343 injured in June alone. The increased use of missiles and drones by Russian forces is being cited as one of the key reasons for this rise in violence.
**Humanitarian Crisis Deepens**
The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine continues to deepen, with thousands of civilians forced to flee their homes every day. Pavlohrad’s devastating attack serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of Russia’s military aggression and the urgent need for international support to alleviate the suffering of innocent people caught in the crossfire.
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