Tragedy Strikes Ukraine: Deadly Russian Strike Hits Military Ceremony, Zelensky Calls Safety Rules Violated
Tragedy Strikes Ukraine: Deadly Russian Strike Hits Military Ceremony, Zelensky Calls Safety Rules Violated
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his grief over a tragic incident in the Zaporizhzhia region, where safety rules were reportedly violated, resulting in a deadly Russian missile strike during an award ceremony. Zelensky described the incident as "a tragedy that could have been avoided," as it left both soldiers and civilians exposed to the devastating attack.
A Ukrainian military brigade reported that 19 of its soldiers lost their lives in an air strike during the award ceremony near the frontlines in Zaporizhzhia.
Addressing the nation on Monday, Zelensky emphasized, "The entire situation is under minute-by-minute analysis," and he pledged to hold those responsible for violating safety regulations accountable. He stated, "It will be found out who exactly violated the rules on the safety of people in the area accessible to enemy aerial reconnaissance. There will be no avoidance of responsibility."
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov ordered a criminal investigation into the attack, underscoring the commitment to protect the country's people and provide honest answers to the families and friends of the fallen soldiers.
The missile strike occurred on the Day of Missile Forces and Artillery, a day dedicated to honoring the warriors who play a vital role in Ukraine's Defense and Security Forces. Zelensky had presented awards to Ukrainian soldiers in a separate ceremony on that day at an undisclosed location.
Ukraine's State Investigation Bureau (DBR) initiated an investigation into the actions of military officials who organized the event near the frontlines, specifically dedicated to the Missile and Artillery Forces Day.
In his address to the nation on Monday evening, Zelensky confirmed the launch of criminal proceedings and stressed the importance of the investigation providing transparent answers regarding the tragedy's causes and whether any improper orders were issued.
According to Ukraine's Armed Forces, the Russian forces launched an Iskander-M missile targeting troops from the 128th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade, resulting in casualties among soldiers and local residents. While Ukrainian parliamentarian Mykhailo Volynets initially reported 28 fatalities and 53 injuries from the missile attack, the exact breakdown between civilians and soldiers remains unverified.
Zelensky announced the suspension of the brigade commander during the ongoing investigation, emphasizing the need to establish the complete truth and prevent such incidents from recurring. He stressed the importance of educating every soldier in the combat zone on how to maintain safety while facing enemy fire and aerial reconnaissance.
The 128th brigade has been actively involved in combat operations in eastern Ukraine since 2014 and has been at the forefront of the counteroffensive launched by Ukraine in early June to reclaim territory taken by Russian troops in the February 2022 invasion. While Ukrainian forces made progress in penetrating the first line of Russian strongholds in the Zaporizhzhia region in September, they have encountered significant resistance from well-fortified Russian defenses, slowing down the counteroffensive's progress.
