Russia bombs pension line in Donetsk, killing over 20 civilians — Ukrainian president

A devastating Russian aerial bombing has killed more than 20 civilians in the village of Yarova in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced.

The strike reportedly targeted residents gathered to receive pensions, marking yet another deadly attack on non-combatants in the region, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

In a statement condemning the assault, President Zelenskyy described the strike as a “brutally savage Russian airstrike” that occurred “directly on people” at the moment of pension disbursement.

“A brutally savage Russian airstrike with an aerial bomb on the rural settlement of Yarova in the Donetsk region. Directly on people. Ordinary civilians. At the very moment when pensions were being disbursed. According to preliminary information, more than 20 people were killed. There are no words… My condolences to all the families and loved ones of the victims," Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian president further called on the international community to take urgent and decisive action in response to the ongoing Russian aggression.

"The Russians continue destroying lives while avoiding new strong sanctions and new strong blows. The world must not remain silent. The world must not remain idle. A response is needed from the United States. A response is needed from Europe. A response is needed from the G20. Strong actions are needed to make Russia stop bringing death," he added.

The Donetsk region, a focal point of Russian military operations since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022, continues to endure relentless strikes on civilian infrastructure and industrial facilities.

On the evening of August 26, Russian forces targeted energy infrastructure operated by DTEK, hitting an enrichment plant. On the same day, a separate Russian attack struck a mine, killing one worker and injuring three others.

By Vafa Guliyeva