Russian attack in central Ukraine kills 20, including two children, officials say

Three Russian missiles were fired at buildings in Vinnytsia, central Ukraine, according to Ukrainian officials.

At least 20 people, including two children, were killed in the air strikes, according to Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy chief of staff to the president of Ukraine.

The attack was carried out with Russian “Kalibr” cruise missiles, launched from submarines stationed in the Black Sea, Tymoshenko added.

“The enemy continues to keep 32 ‘Kalibr’ cruise missiles ready on three ships and two submarines, and two large landing ships are also present in the Black Sea,” the Ukrainian Armed Forces Southern Operational Command said on Monday. .

“Several dozen” were injured and search operations are ongoing, the Ukraine Attorney General’s Office added.

Ukraine’s State Emergency Service said “90 rescuers as well as dog trainers and psychologists are working at the scene of the terrible tragedy” in a Facebook post.

Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of Ukraine’s presidency, called the attack “another crime by the occupiers in our peaceful city” on Telegram.

Vinnytsia police chief Igor Klymenko said the “missiles were aimed at an office building”. Nearby residential buildings were also damaged, he added.

Vinnytsia has not been the site of any previous Russian attacks since the invasion.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba condemned the airstrikes on Twitter.

“While the Accountability Conference in The Hague is underway, Russia is committing another war crime. At least one child killed, among other victims of a missile attack in Vinnytsia,” Kuleba wrote.

“We will judge Russian war criminals by every drop of Ukrainian blood and tears.”