Moscow is reporting a surge in civilian casualties following a week of Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory, alleging at least 12 deaths, including that of a child [[1]]. These claims of escalating violence, impacting border regions like Belgorod, Kherson, and Zaporizhia, come as cross-border attacks continue to rise amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and as UN reports indicate a 37% increase in civilian deaths and injuries over the past year [[1]]. the Russian Foreign Ministry accuses Ukrainian forces of deliberately targeting civilians and medical infrastructure.
12 Dead in Week of Ukrainian Attacks on Russian Territory, Moscow Claims
At least 12 civilians, including a six-year-old child, have been killed and over 60 injured in attacks on Russian territory over the past week, according to a Russian Foreign Ministry official. The escalating violence, primarily impacting regions bordering Ukraine, raises concerns about the broadening scope of the conflict.
Rodion Miroshnik, the Russian Foreign Ministry’s envoy for investigating Ukrainian war crimes, stated that a total of 75 civilians were affected by the bombardments: 63 were injured, including four minors, and 12 were killed, one of whom was a child. “Attacks on residential areas have led to the death of a six-year-old child and injuries to four minors,” Miroshnik said.
The highest number of civilian casualties were reported in the Belgorod, Kherson, and Zaporizhia regions, he added. According to Miroshnik, the attacks utilized drones, multiple launch rocket systems, artillery, missiles, aerial bombs, and mortar fire. He specified that drones were reportedly used in 92% of the attacks resulting in civilian casualties – a total of 69 people injured.
Miroshnik further accused Ukrainian forces of “grossly violating international humanitarian law” by targeting ambulances and healthcare facilities in the Zaporizhia, Kherson, Belgorod, and Bryansk regions. Four medical workers were reportedly killed in these attacks. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Ukraine used over 2,900 munitions of various types against regions within the Russian Federation during the same period.
The claims come amid ongoing fighting in eastern Ukraine and increasing reports of cross-border attacks. The development underscores growing regional tensions and the potential for further escalation.
