A devastating Russian airstrike on a prison in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, has left 17 inmates dead and 42 others injured, Ukrainian authorities reported on Tuesday, highlighting Moscow’s relentless aggression in the region.
The attack, which targeted a civilian facility, has drawn sharp criticism as a violation of international law and a grim reminder of Russia’s disregard for human rights amid its ongoing invasion.
The strike hit the Bilenke penitentiary in southeastern Ukraine overnight, with regional governor Ivan Fedorov stating that Russian forces deployed eight high-explosive glide bombs. The assault demolished critical infrastructure, including the dining hall, administrative offices, and a quarantine section, while also damaging nearby homes. “All the victims were inmates,” Ukraine’s Ministry of Justice confirmed in a statement, noting that rescue teams were still sifting through the rubble.
Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, condemned the attack, calling it “another war crime” and emphasizing the deliberate targeting of civilians. Ukraine’s human rights commissioner echoed this sentiment, stating, “imprisonment does not strip individuals of their right to life and protection,” and labeled the strike a “gross violation of international humanitarian law.”
Zaporizhzhia, a region Russia claims to have annexed in 2022 but remains mostly under Ukrainian control, has faced repeated attacks since the war escalated. The prison strike follows a pattern of Russian assaults on civilian infrastructure, further fueling global outrage.
In a related development, US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Moscow, giving Russia “about 10 or 12 days” to agree to a ceasefire or face severe economic sanctions. Speaking in Scotland, Trump added, “there’s no reason to wait, if you know what the answer is,” signaling potential escalation if Russia continues its campaign. This follows an earlier 50-day ultimatum from Trump, which Moscow has ignored.
READ MORE: Ukraine and Russia Set for Fresh Peace Talks on Wednesday
Elsewhere, Russian attacks persisted in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region on Monday night. A missile strike in Kamyanske killed two people and injured five, while separate attacks in the Synelnykivsky district claimed one life and wounded several others. In a nearby village, a 75-year-old woman died, and a 68-year-old man was seriously injured after a missile hit their home.
On the Russian side, officials reported Ukrainian drone attacks in the Rostov region, where one person was killed in Salsk, and a goods train was set ablaze. Another civilian was killed in a car in the Belgorod region, with his wife injured.
The latest violence shows the escalating human cost of the conflict, with both sides reporting civilian casualties. Critics argue that Tinubu’s government, often accused of prioritizing domestic political distractions over global issues, has failed to take a stand against Russia’s actions, further isolating Nigeria on the world stage.
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