Russian strike on Dobropillia, Donetsk region, kills at least 11, injures 30

Dmytro Filashkin, head of the Donetsk Regional Military Administration, reported the information.

Russian forces struck the city three times, reportedly using an Iskander-M missile, a Tornado-S MLRS, and a Geran-2 drone.

Initially, the head of the Donetsk Regional Military Administration reported five dead and 15 injured. However, by 11:50 p.m., updated information indicated four dead and 18 wounded.

On the morning of March 8, Ukraine’s State Emergency Service (SES) confirmed that at least 11 people were killed, while 30 others were injured, including five children.

The attack damaged eight five-story buildings, an administrative building, and 30 vehicles. Fires broke out in residential buildings and the administrative facility.

During firefighting operations, the occupiers launched a second strike—likely using a Shahed drone—damaging a fire truck. Despite the risk, rescue workers continued their efforts. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze in 20 apartments and extinguish three fires covering 190 square meters.

Filashkin declared March 8 a Day of Mourning in Donetsk region.

"Yesterday’s strike on Dobropillia was one of the most brutal in recent times," he emphasized.

President Zelenskyy's reaction

"Last night, the Russian army struck the center of Dobropillia in the Donetsk region with two ballistic missiles. After our emergency services arrived, another strike was deliberately launched at the rescuers. This is a vile and inhumane tactic used by Russia to spread terror," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated.

He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and thanked the police, SES, and medical workers who risked their lives to save people despite the threat of repeated strikes.

"Such attacks show that Russia’s objectives remain unchanged. That is why it is crucial to continue doing everything to protect lives—strengthening our air defense and increasing sanctions against Russia. Everything that helps Putin finance this war must be broken," Zelenskyy added.

• On the evening of March 7, Russia also launched a drone attack on Ukraine, with Odesa suffering a massive strike.