Russian Attack Kills 20 Civilians, Zelenskyy: The World Can't Be Silent

The impact of the Russian attack on Ukraine/PHOTO via X@ ZelenskyyUa

JAKARTA - Russian airstrikes killed more than 20 civilians who were taking their pensions in villages in eastern Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for pressure from Kyiv allies against Russia whose forces launched intense attacks in most areas of eastern Donetsk due to diplomatic efforts to end the war.

Zelenskyy said Russian airstrikes hit Yarova village, about 15 miles (24 km) from the town of Sloviansk and a few kilometers behind the front line.

"Directly to the people. Ordinary civilians. Right when the pension funds are disbursed," he wrote on X.

He uploaded a video footage showing bodies strewn across the ground and debris.

Reportedly 21 other people were injured, said Donetsk Governor Vadym Filashkin.

"The world must not remain silent," Zelenskyy said. "The world must not remain silent. The United States needs a response. Europe needs a response. The G20 requires a response," he continued.

Russia did not immediately comment on Zelenskiy's statement. Moscow denies targeting civilians, but tens of thousands of people have died since its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Ukrainian Human Rights Commissioner, Dmytro Lubinets, said the attack was another "confirmation of systemic terror against Ukrainian civilians."