Russian Attacks Leave Four Dead in Sloviansk, Zaporizhzhia Amid Ongoing War
Fatal Strikes in Eastern and Southeastern Ukraine
June 16 (Reuters) - Russian attacks on cities in Ukraine's east and southeast killed four people and set ablaze a residence and a shopping centre, officials and prosecutors said late on Tuesday.
Casualties and Damage in Sloviansk
Prosecutors in the Donetsk region, the focal point of Ukraine's front line, said three people died in two bomb attacks in the city of Sloviansk. Five people were injured.
Strategic Importance of Sloviansk
Sloviansk is part of the country's "fortress belt," heavily defended by the military and seen as key to containing a slow-moving Russian offensive in Donetsk.
Drone Attacks in Zaporizhzhia
In the southeastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, national police said a wave of dozens of drones killed one person in his car and injured seven others.
Destruction and Fires in the City
Pictures posted online showed flames inside a building and on a rooftop and at least one facade reduced to rubble.
Official Statements on the Strikes
Regional Governor Ivan Fedorov said there had been five strikes on the city. He said fire broke out in a residence and a shopping centre, and an educational institution sustained damage.
Verification and Context
Reuters could not independently verify the reports. Russia and Ukraine deny deliberately targeting civilians in the war that started with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
(Reporting by Ron Popeski and Oleksandr Kozhukhar; Editing by Mark Porter and Jamie Freed)
