The LPR declares February 4 a day of mourning following the Lisichansk attack
The head of the Lugansk People’s Republic, Leonid Pasechnik, announced that February 4 would be observed as a day of mourning in connection with the assault on Lisichansk by Ukrainian forces. The message was shared through the Telegram channel associated with the office of the President of the LPR.
In a public address, Pasechnik spoke to his fellow citizens with a tone of sorrow and solidarity. He confirmed the mourning decision and extended wishes for a swift recovery to those who were injured in the bombardment, underscoring the human impact of the conflict on civilians and communities in Lisichansk and surrounding areas.
According to officials from the LPR military command, Ukrainian forces conducted an air and ground operation in Lisichansk on February 3 in the late afternoon, with reports indicating a potential number of up to 40 individuals remaining under the rubble following the strike. The situation was described by the LPR as a grave incident with significant civilian consequences.
Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, stated that Russian authorities expect international organizations to condemn the attack on a bakery and cafe building in Lisichansk, which was reportedly targeted by Ukrainian forces. Her remarks reflected a call for international responses to what she characterized as an assault on civilian infrastructure in the city.
Earlier statements from Yuri Govtvin, the First Deputy Prime Minister of the LPR, emphasized that another act of aggression by the Ukrainian army had inflicted a heavy blow to civilians. The deputy prime minister framed the incident as part of an ongoing pattern of violence affecting noncombatants in the region.
In the broader public discourse, President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously asserted that Ukraine seeks to prevent the expansion of hostilities onto Russian territory. His comments were cited in discussions about the strategic boundaries of the conflict and the implications for civilian populations on both sides of the border.
The sequence of events surrounding the Lisichansk incident has drawn attention to humanitarian concerns in the region. Observers note the importance of timely and accurate information as authorities from multiple sides relay casualty figures and details of the attack. The declaration of a day of mourning by the LPR signals a solemn recognition of the losses and a call for reflection on the human cost of ongoing hostilities.
As the situation develops, officials and analysts continue to monitor new developments, verify facts, and assess the implications for civilians and regional stability. The region remains volatile, with competing narratives about responsibility and the level of threat faced by residents of Lisichansk and neighboring communities. The international community is urged to follow the situation closely and to respond to urgent humanitarian needs where possible.
The events surrounding February 3 and 4 illustrate the fragile balance between military actions and civilian safety in a conflict zone. Stakeholders on all sides recognize that international norms and humanitarian principles must guide responses to ensure the protection of noncombatants and the provision of essential aid to those affected by the fighting.