Russia bombs Donetsk region village during pension payout, killing over 20 civilians

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced this.

According to him, the Russian forces targeted civilians at the very moment when pensions were being distributed. As of 12:21 p.m., preliminary reports indicated more than 20 fatalities.

“Such Russian strikes must not go without an appropriate response from the world. The Russians continue to destroy lives, yet avoid new strong sanctions and new strong blows. The world must not remain silent. The world must not stand idle. The United States must respond. Europe must respond. The G20 must respond. Strong actions are needed to make Russia stop bringing death,” the president stressed.

The head of the Donetsk Regional Military Administration, Vadym Filashkin, reported that as of 12:30 p.m., at least 21 people were confirmed dead and the same number injured.

“Currently, rescuers, medics, police, and local authorities are working at the scene. We are helping the victims and determining the exact consequences of this crime,” he added.

The National Police reported that among the victims were local pensioners and a postal service crew.

According to the State Emergency Service, as of 4:27 p.m., there were 24 dead and 19 wounded. Rescuers transported two injured people from the stabilization point to a medical facility and extinguished the fire caused by the enemy strike.

Maksym Bilousov, head of the communications unit of the 60th Separate Mechanized Inhulets Brigade, told Suspilne that the military also provided medical assistance to wounded civilians in the village of Yarova.

At the brigade’s stabilization point, 16 people received first aid and had their condition stabilized. They will continue treatment in specialized medical facilities.

Ukraine demands strong response from partners

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote this on X.

"This heinous crime demands worldwide condemnation and action. We urge the world to speak out and act immediately. We call on European partners, the United States, G20 members, and all who value human life and the UN Charter to take action," he urged.

At present, Ukraine is informing all partners and international organizations about the details of the crime.

"And we expect strong responses. Russian criminals must face justice for this and other atrocities. Russian propaganda claims to be "saving" people in the Donetsk region, but in reality, it is dropping massive air bombs on people who came to receive pensions. Russia brings only death, horror, and destruction," Sybiha wrote.

• On the evening of Monday, September 8, the Russian army launched attack drones at Ukrainian territory. In Zaporizhzhia, a private house caught fire and one person was injured.