17 People Killed As A Result Of Russian Missile Attack Hits The Market As US Foreign Minister Blinken Visits Ukraine

Markets in Kostitynivka and its surroundings were destroyed by Russian missile attacks. (Wikimedia Commons/National Police of Ukraine)

JAKARTA - At least 17 people died as a result of a Russian missile attack that hit an eastern Ukrainian market and injured dozens more, as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken came to visit on Wednesday.

President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, which officials said took place in a bustling market in Kostitynivka City. He said a child was among the dead, and officials said at least 32 people were injured.

"This Russian crime must be defeated as soon as possible," President Zelensky said, describing it as a deliberate attack on a peaceful city.

Meanwhile, his aide posted video footage showing an explosion after something that sounds like a missile approached, and people were running for cover or falling to the ground.

This attack is said to be one of the deadliest in recent months.

"All services are functioning. The fire has been localized. We are helping the victims," Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said, as quoted by CNN.

Russia did not immediately comment on the attack, and denied deliberately targeting civilians.

Kostitynivka City itself is close to the front line around Bakhmut, so it is often crowded with military personnel.