In a heartbreaking incident in eastern Ukraine, a tragic drone strike claimed the lives of a father and his three young children while injuring their pregnant mother. This event underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis faced by families displaced by war.
The family had just relocated to Bohodukhiv, approximately 60 kilometers (38 miles) west of Kharkiv, only the day before, seeking shelter from continuous shelling, according to Oleg Synegubov, the governor of the Kharkiv region.
“(They) had just evacuated from Zolochiv, trying to escape from constant shelling and find a safer place to live. This was their first night in the new location,” he shared on Telegram.
Synegubov identified the victims as two-year-old twins Ivan and Vladislav, their one-year-old sister Miroslava, and their 34-year-old father, Gryhoriy. Earlier reports mistakenly stated that Miroslava was the eldest sibling, likely due to the family’s recent arrival in the area.
Volodymyr Belyi, the town’s mayor, described the attack as a “crime that is beyond human comprehension.”
“We lost the most precious thing we had – our future,” he expressed in a statement.
Authorities reported that the mother, who is 35 weeks pregnant, sustained head injuries and burns but has since been discharged from the hospital. Synegubov also clarified the identity of a survivor, a 73-year-old neighbor who was initially misidentified as the children’s grandmother.
The residence where the family was staying was completely obliterated by the strike and subsequent fire. Images from the site reveal the devastation, with burned debris and charred toys scattered where the home once stood.
President Volodymyr Zelensky remarked that the attack indicated Russia’s lack of commitment to peace negotiations.
“Each such Russian strike undermines confidence in everything that is being done diplomatically to end this war,” he stated on Telegram.
Key Takeaways
- A tragic drone strike in eastern Ukraine resulted in the loss of a father and his three young children.
- The family had fled ongoing shelling just a day before the attack.
- The mother, who is pregnant, suffered injuries but has been released from the hospital.
- Local authorities have condemned the strike as incomprehensible and devastating.
- Images from the scene depict significant destruction, highlighting the war’s impact on civilian life.
FAQ
What happened in Bohodukhiv?
A drone strike killed a father and his three children and injured their pregnant mother in Bohodukhiv, eastern Ukraine.
Why did the family move to Bohodukhiv?
They relocated to escape continuous shelling in their previous location, Zolochiv.
What has been the local response?
Local officials have condemned the attack as a crime and highlighted the tragedy of the situation.
What injuries did the mother sustain?
The mother suffered head wounds and burns but has since been discharged from the hospital.
What has the president said about the incident?
President Zelensky stated that the attack undermines diplomatic efforts for peace in the region.
