Russia accuses Ukraine of attacking supermarket in Donetsk
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The attack, which occurred during the morning rush hour, has injured several people, with some reports suggesting fatalities.
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Ukrainian infantrymen train with French soldiers to learn combat skills, in France, Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023. (AP)
Russia accused Ukraine on Friday of launching a missile strike on a supermarket in the Russian-controlled city of Donetsk, located in eastern Ukraine. Denis Pushilin, the head of the parts of Donetsk under Russian control, stated on Telegram that he had "confirmed information" that the attack injured four people in the region's main city, also called Donetsk.
Pushilin blamed the Ukrainian military for firing US-supplied HIMARS missiles during the morning rush hour. Russian state news agency RIA later reported that investigators said the strike resulted in two deaths and two injuries.
Ukraine's general staff did not comment specifically on the supermarket attack but confirmed it had carried out strikes in the Donetsk region this week, taking "all necessary measures to limit the risk to civilians."
The missile strike caused significant damage to the facade of the "Moloko" (Milk) supermarket, with shattered glass and burned-out cars scattered nearby. Dashcam footage shared by a nearby driver showed the moment of impact, followed by a large explosion and flames rising into the sky.
Pushilin also reported that Ukrainian artillery had struck an apartment building in Svitlodarsk, further north in Donetsk, killing two people and injuring eight. However, Ukraine's statement said its forces had carried out a precise strike on a Russian command post in Svitlodarsk.
Additionally, Ukraine’s Suspilne public broadcaster reported that Russian shelling killed one person and wounded another in Pokrovsk, a key logistics hub in Donetsk region, where advancing Russian forces have been making gains.
In Russia's Belgorod Region, governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said three houses were damaged after drones were shot down.
"Our air defense system shot down several enemy aircraft-type drones over the Belgorodsky District [of the Belgorod Region]. There were no casualties. As a result of the drone debris falling in the village of Maysky, windows were broken and roofs were damaged in three private houses," Gladkov wrote on Telegram.
Moreover, several people were injured by glass fragments when drones crashed into two apartment buildings in the town of Kotovsk in Russia's Tambov Region, acting regional governor Yevgeny Pervyshov said.
"Overnight to January 11, unmanned aerial vehicles crashed into two apartment buildings in Kotovsk. Several people were injured by glass fragments. There are no fires, the buildings have minor damage," Pervyshov wrote on Telegram.
Ukraine launches surprise counterattack in Kursk region
Russia announced on Sunday that Ukrainian forces had launched a counteroffensive in the border region of Kursk, which has been a focal point since Kiev initiated a ground offensive last August.
The extent of Ukraine's advancement remains unclear, but reports from military observers suggest an intense and coordinated operation is underway.
"At about 9:00 am Moscow time (0600 GMT), in order to halt the advance of Russian troops in the Kursk direction, the enemy launched a counterattack," stated the Russian Defense Ministry.
According to Moscow, the attack involved two tanks, several armored vehicles, and specialized demolition units targeting the village of Berdin, approximately 15 kilometers northeast of Sudzha. The Ministry emphasized that their operations to neutralize Ukrainian forces continue.
Sudzha, which was seized by Ukrainian troops during their August offensive, has remained under Kiev's control despite ongoing conflict in the region.
While Ukrainian authorities provided limited details about the attack, some officials hinted at strategic gains.
"Russia is getting what it deserves," said Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine's presidential administration.
Andriy Kovalenko, who leads Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation, commented on the situation on Telegram, "In the Kursk region, the Russians are very worried because they were attacked from several directions, and it was a surprise for them."
Read more: Russia captures LPR village, eliminates 100s of Ukrainian troops: MoD
Prominent pro-Russian military bloggers have admitted that Ukrainian forces are exerting significant pressure in the Kursk region.
"The main events of the next attempted offensive by the Ukrainian army are clearly still ahead of us," noted Rybar, a widely followed pro-Russian commentator.
