President Volodymyr Zelensky promises ‘total truth’ after at least 20 soldiers killed in Russian missile attack.
Ukraine has opened a criminal investigation after a group of soldiers attending an “awards ceremony” not far from the front line in the southern region of Zaporizhia were killed in a Russian missile attack.
At least 20 soldiers were reported killed in Friday’s incident in Zarichne, according to local media. Zaporizhia Governor Yuriy Malashko said nine civilians were also injured in the attack on the village, located about 16 kilometers from the front line.
“This is a tragedy that could have been avoided,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a speech on Sunday.
“A criminal investigation has been opened into this tragedy,” he added, saying the intention was to uncover “the complete truth” about what happened to ensure such incidents do not happen again.
Ukraine’s armed forces confirmed Saturday that several soldiers from its 128th Mountain Assault Brigade had been killed in a missile strike the day before, but did not provide casualty figures.
“(Russia) fired an Iskander-M missile at the personnel of the 128th mountain assault brigade, killing the soldiers and causing varying degrees of serious injury to local residents,” the army said.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said in a statement on social media the same day that he had ordered a “thorough investigation” into what happened.
Zelensky said Umerov informed him about steps taken to clarify the circumstances of the attack, who specifically was involved and what orders were given.
The New York Times, citing a military official who was not named because he was not authorized to speak to the media, said any investigation would likely focus on how Russia knew about the event and was able to attack him. By holding the ceremony in the open air, senior brigade officials appear to have violated military regulations, the official added.
A Ukrainian soldier said on social media that 22 members of the brigade had been killed, criticizing commanders for organizing the ceremony.
The event was organized to commemorate Artillery Day, which took place on Friday.
“Everyone writes that “the heroes are dead”. Although it is more appropriate to write “Heroes became victims,” said soldier Ivan Savytsky.
“They have become victims of rudimentary military traditionalism in its worst form,” he said.
In its daily updates on developments from the battlefield, the Russian Defense Ministry said only that Russian forces “fired” on a unit of the Ukrainian assault brigade in Zaporizhia, killing up to 30 soldiers.
Russia and Ukraine have often underestimated their own military losses during the 20-month war and exaggerated the losses they claim to have inflicted on each other.
The western region of Transcarpathia, where the 128th assault brigade is based, will observe a three-day mourning period starting Monday, local governor Viktor Mykyta said.
“Our heroes are alive as long as their memory and their deeds endure,” he said.
Despite little apparent movement along the nearly 1,000 km (620 mile) front line, Zelensky rejected suggestions that the conflict was at a stalemate, urging allies to maintain their support even as the war between Israel and Gaza is attracting more and more attention.
In his statement on Sunday, Zelensky sought to reassure Ukrainians about the conflict.
“When we go through weeks like this, filled with pain and difficult discussions, it is important that people understand that what weighs on their hearts is seen and that necessary changes will be made,” the president said.
“This applies to many things, from the neglect that can occur to the Soviet legacy and the terrible bureaucracy that prevents Ukraine and many in our defense forces from realizing their potential properly and effectively. »
Zelensky promised that the investigation into the attack would provide “honest answers” to the soldiers’ families as well as Ukrainian society as a whole.
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