Massive Attack in Ukrainian Hamlet Leaves Dozens Dead and Community Devastated
HROZA, Ukraine, Oct 6 (Reuters) – A small village in Ukraine, Hroza, is mourning the loss of at least 52 people after a deadly missile strike hit a local cafe where residents had gathered to honor a fallen soldier. The attack, described as one of the most deadly in the 20-month conflict, has left the tight-knit community in shock and grief, with many residents questioning how the Russians could have known about the gathering.
As Hroza residents begin the painful task of burying their loved ones, the sense of devastation is palpable. Valeriy Kozyr, who lost his daughter and son-in-law in the attack, expressed his anguish, saying, “It would have been better if I had died. Oh God, you cannot punish me like this. To leave the father and take the children!” He now faces the daunting task of caring for his three grandchildren, aged 10, 15, and 17.
Three brothers in the community are also preparing to bury their parents, who were victims of the Russian assault on civilians. President Volodymr Zelenskiy has denounced the attack as deliberate, while Moscow continues to deny targeting civilians.
The funeral process is further complicated by the fact that not all of the victims have been identified. Regional police investigator Serhiy Bolvinov stated that DNA testing would be necessary in some cases where the remains were beyond recognition.
The devastation caused by the attack is evident as rescue workers continue to sift through the rubble of the destroyed cafe and nearby shop. The community has come together to lay flowers and light candles at a makeshift memorial near the site.
One grave in the village cemetery stands out, surrounded by freshly dug earth and brightly colored bouquets. It belongs to Andriy Kozyr, a soldier in the Ukrainian army and a distant relative of Valeriy Kozyr. Andriy had been killed earlier in the conflict, and his family had longed to bury him in his native village. Tragically, as they gathered to honor his life, the missile struck.
The Hroza community, already scarred by the ongoing conflict, now mourns the loss of neighbors, friends, and family members. They vow to stay united and seek justice for the victims. The attack serves as a grim reminder of the toll that war takes on innocent civilians and the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict.
(Writing by [Author]; Editing by [Editor])