**Three Killed and One Injured in Russian Airstrikes on Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast**
On July 9, the Ukrainian city of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast was hit by Russian airstrikes and drone attacks, resulting in three deaths and one injury. The State Emergency Service reported that a Russian airstrike destroyed an administrative building, with rescuers retrieving two bodies from the rubble.
**Widespread Damage and Infrastructure Hit**
The attack also damaged critical infrastructure facilities and 21 homes in Kostiantynivka. The scale of destruction was extensive, with over 20 tons of debris needing to be cleared from the site. This latest assault is a grim reminder of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Donetsk Oblast.
**Kostiantynivka’s Vulnerable Position**
Located just 10-15 kilometers from areas currently occupied by Russian forces, Kostiantynivka has been on high alert for weeks. Governor Vadim Filashkin had warned as recently as late June that the city was facing a “humanitarian catastrophe” due to Russian strikes on critical infrastructure. With Russian forces pushing into neighboring Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, it’s clear that Kostiantynivka is in a precarious position.
**Donetsk Oblast Under Increasing Pressure**
As Russia intensifies its attacks in Donetsk Oblast, the region is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. The attack on Kostiantynivka highlights the need for residents to evacuate to safer areas of Ukraine. With infrastructure and homes being targeted, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for civilians to remain in the area.
**Experts Weigh In**
“The situation in Donetsk Oblast is dire,” says Abbey Fenbert, a senior news editor at the Kyiv Independent. “Russia’s attempts to push into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast will only exacerbate the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Donetsk Oblast.”
**What’s Next?**
As Russia continues its military campaign in Ukraine, it remains unclear how this situation will unfold. One thing is certain: the people of Kostiantynivka and surrounding areas are facing an uncertain future.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
