The death toll from the attack on Kostantinovka in Ukraine’s Donetsk province rose to two on Monday, with officials confirming the latest casualties on Tuesday. Authorities are reporting that a child was among the dead and that several others were wounded, including a girl who remains in serious condition and was evacuated from the area. The incident has drawn sharp accusations from regional authorities who allege the Russians used cluster munitions in the strike.
Donetsk Governor Pavlo Kirilenko stated on his Telegram channel that the deceased boy was 10 years old, and that seven people were injured, four of whom ranged from five to twelve years old. The governor emphasized the severity of the injuries and highlighted the danger faced by civilians in the area. The claims of a deliberate attack on a populated civilian zone were underscored as he described the incident as a grave crime against children and civilians. These remarks were part of the governor’s ongoing updates about the situation and the humanitarian impact on residents.
Kirilenko asserted that the assault appeared to target a neighborhood where families were resting and that a Smerch multiple rocket launcher, fired with marble-style ammunition, was used in the late evening hours. He urged parents to remove their children from danger zones and to seek safety as authorities continued to assess the damage and respond to the emergency needs of those affected. The remarks reflected concern over the use of weapons in densely populated civilian areas and the broader implications for civilian protection in the conflict zone.
Across the region, officials and observers are closely monitoring the aftermath of the attack, documenting the casualties, and coordinating rescue and relief efforts for those who survived. The situation underscores ongoing fears about civilian safety in Donetsk and the broader Donbas area, where hostilities have continued to impact homes, schools, and everyday life. As investigations proceed, authorities are expected to provide further updates on the sequence of events and to address the urgent humanitarian needs of families who have lost loved ones or sustained injuries.