A Russian strike on the eastern Ukrainian settlement of Yarova killed 24 civilians on Tuesday, according to Ukrainian officials. The victims were waiting to collect pension payments when the attack took place.
The Russian strike comes as Moscow intensifies its aerial campaign against Ukraine. At the same time, Poland reported shooting down drones that crossed into its airspace, raising fears of a broader conflict.
President Volodymyr Zelensky strongly condemned the attack, calling it a “brutally savage” strike on civilians. He also shared video footage showing bodies near a playground and a destroyed van, though the images have not been independently verified.
Local devastation and grief
Ukraine’s interior ministry confirmed that 24 people lost their lives. Military officials said Russia used a glide bomb, which can hit targets far behind the front line.
Yarova is a small settlement with fewer than 2,000 residents before the war. After the strike, families gathered outside a morgue where at least 13 bodies were seen in black bags.
International response
Zelensky urged Western allies to take immediate action. “A response is needed from the United States, Europe, and the G20,” he said. He also pushed for “strong actions” to stop Russia’s growing attacks.
Ukraine’s prosecutor general has opened a war crimes investigation into the strike. Russia has not yet issued an official comment.
Germany, US, and Poland step up
Germany announced it will supply Ukraine with thousands of long-range drones to weaken Russian forces. The United States also pledged stronger measures, urging European partners to act in unity.
Poland confirmed that Russian drones violated its airspace during the same wave of attacks. Prime Minister Donald Tusk said military action was taken against the drones, while NATO aircraft were scrambled. Several Polish airports, including Warsaw Chopin, were briefly closed due to the security threat.
The incident follows Russia’s largest drone assault over the weekend, which targeted Kyiv’s Cabinet of Ministers and launched more than 800 drones across Ukraine.
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