Russian forces have again struck the peaceful center of Kramatorsk: “Lightning” in the ruins of the city
On Wednesday, June 9, the city of Kramatorsk in Donetsk was enveloped in a heavy, black smoke cloud. In the morning, Russian occupiers used a "Lightning" type unmanned aerial vehicle to carry out a missile strike on the city’s central districts. According to the Kramatorsk City Council, this aggression is yet another manifestation of the barbaric tactics of the occupiers, who show no mercy to civilians and destroy infrastructure amid defenseless residents. An official statement from the city authorities reports: "As of 14:20, there are no reports of injuries among the population, but residential buildings in the city center have been significantly damaged as a result of the strike. The details of the incident and the extent of the destruction are still being clarified." Additionally, emergency and municipal services are on-site conducting rapid response efforts to stabilize the situation and assist residents. Photographs from the scene, published by activists on social media, document extensive destruction of multi-apartment buildings—ruined roofs, shattered windows, and collapsed structures. The images show citizens in shock and helplessness, witnessing the destruction brought into their homes by the war. This is not the first attack by Russia on Kramatorsk this month. On the night of June 8 to 9, Russian invaders used the Grad missile system "Smerch," unleashing a hail of rockets and artillery strikes on the city’s industrial sector. Significant infrastructure damage was again recorded, and residents found themselves in fear and chaos once more. The preconditions for this new attack have their history. On May 27, Russian forces already struck residential neighborhoods in the city, resulting in several injuries, including among family members. These raids sparked outrage among the local community and the international public, which called for increased support for Ukraine and the protection of civilians. Overall, the situation in Kramatorsk remains very tense. The city has long suffered from destructive actions by Russian military forces, which continue even during periods of "pause" between large-scale hostilities. Local authorities urge residents to stay strong and not lose hope in victory, as each new blow only strengthens their resolve to fight for their future. Yesterday’s missile strike and drone attack once again confirm that the Ukrainian city is under intense control by the aggressor, who does not hold back from any methods of intimidation and destruction. The authorities call on the international community to intensify aid and increase sanctions against Russia to end this wave of devastation and suffering for ordinary people. Life in the center of Kramatorsk today is a fight to preserve housing, safety standards, and a future that depends on the determination of defenders and the support of all concerned. Every day, residents face trials, but their resilience and desire for peace give hope that sooner or later this nightmare will end, and peace will return to these destroyed homes.