Title: Deadly Russian Missile Strike Hits Ukrainian Military Brigade in Zaporizhzhia
Subtitle: Dozens of Soldiers Feared Dead in Devastating Attack
KYIV — In a shocking turn of events, Russia has reportedly launched a deadly missile strike on a Ukrainian military brigade in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region. Ukrainian officials have confirmed that an unspecified number of soldiers were killed in the attack, while unverified reports suggest that the death toll may be much higher.
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry announced on social media that the 128th Mountain Assault Brigade was hit by an Iskander-M missile last Friday, leading to casualties among both the military personnel and local residents. However, the exact number of fatalities, along with the circumstances and precise location of the attack, remain undisclosed.
According to a member of the 128th brigade, who spoke anonymously, the missile struck the brigade while it gathered in the village of Zarychne to hold a medals ceremony in honor of the country’s Artillery and Missile Forces Day. The serviceman initially heard reports of 22 casualties, but later learned from a platoon commander that more than 30 people may have perished.
It should be noted that The Washington Post has been unable to independently verify the reports of the missile strike.
The anonymous brigade member also pointed fingers at the unit’s leadership, suggesting that their failure to prioritize security led to the devastating incident. He emphasized the need for stricter protocols and mentioned, “In short, we just relaxed, and it didn’t take long to smash us.”
Reacting to the tragedy, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov expressed his condolences on Facebook and promised a thorough investigation into the incident.
Disturbing and unverified images circulating on social media portray burning cars and bodies scattered along a dirt road in Zarychne following the attack.
Viktor Mykyta, the governor of the southwestern Transcarpathia region, where the 128th Brigade is based, declared a three-day mourning period starting Monday. During this time, flags will be flown at half-mast, a moment of silence will be observed each morning, and religious services will be conducted in various churches throughout the region.
Transcarpathia, a rural mountainous region bordering Hungary, Slovakia, and Romania, has a population of just over a million. The 128th Brigade has its headquarters in Mukachevo, the region’s second-largest city.
This recent missile strike on the brigade follows another devastating attack last month during a funeral in Hroza, where 52 people were killed. The majority of the victims were civilians, including the widow and relatives of the deceased soldier. It remains unclear whether Russian forces had anticipated the presence of military personnel, leading villagers to suspect the involvement of a Russian sympathizer.
Ukraine’s military head, Gen. Valery Zaluzhny, acknowledged that modern military equipment allows both sides in the Russian conflict to easily identify concentrations of opposing forces. He emphasized the transparency in monitoring each other’s activities, stating, “We see everything the enemy is doing, and they see everything we are doing.”
As tensions continue to escalate between Russia and Ukraine, the international community closely watches the unfolding events, hoping for a peaceful resolution to this ongoing conflict.