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At least 15 individuals have reportedly lost their lives and 20 sustained injuries on Sunday following the collapse of a segment of a Russian apartment block.
The incident occurred after the structure was struck by remnants of a Soviet-era missile, which was said to have been launched by Ukraine and intercepted by Russia, as confirmed by Russian authorities.
This devastating event marks one of the deadliest assaults on the Belgorod region.
Russian officials allege that Ukraine instigated a substantial missile assault, employing Tochka ballistic missiles alongside Adler and RM-70 Vampire (MLRS) multiple launch rocket systems.
Video footage from the scene depicts the collapse of approximately 10 storeys of the building.
Russia’s defence ministry labelled the incident as a “terrorist attack on residential areas. It transpired at 0840 GMT involving a barrage of at least 12 missiles.
“Fragments of one of the downed Tochka-U missiles damaged an apartment building in the city of Belgorod,” stated the ministry.
In the early hours of Monday, Russia’s emergency ministry reported the tragic loss of 15 lives, with numerous casualties including a child. Rocket sirens echoed as emergency responders tirelessly combed through the wreckage.
Both Ukraine and Russia disavow deliberate targeting of civilians, amidst escalating tensions stemming from Russia’s incursion into Ukraine since February 2022. The conflict has exacted a heavy toll, claiming thousands of lives, displacing millions, and reducing Ukrainian cities to ruins.
The Kremlin confirmed President Vladimir Putin’s awareness of the assault, denouncing it as “barbaric”.
Russia’s foreign ministry condemned the targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure as criminal.
