Reassessing Responsibility: Investigating the Recent Attack in the Donetsk Region

Reassessing Responsibility: Investigating the Recent Attack in the Donetsk Region

A Shocking Attack in Kostjantynivka

On an unfortunate day in the Donetsk region, a horrifying rocket attack took lives of at least 15 people and left over 30 injured. This incident marked one of the most violent rocket attacks in recent months. The immediate response from Ukraine was to accuse Russia, a narrative that was quickly picked up by international media. However, new evidence suggests the rocket may have originated from the Ukrainian side rather than Russian-controlled territory.

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Unraveling the Evidence

Extensive research conducted using rocket fragments, eyewitness accounts, and satellite images indicates that the rocket was likely launched from a Ukrainian-operated Buk missile system. Factors such as technical issues or damage might have caused the rocket to deviate from its intended course.

The Immediate Accusations

Given the ongoing tensions, the instant assumption that Russia was responsible for the attack was not surprising. Since the invasion, Moscow has been widely condemned by international entities for its numerous attacks on civilian targets. However, Russia refutes these claims, insisting it targets only military objectives. Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, also blamed Russia for the attack, labeling the perpetrators as “Russian terrorists,” albeit without providing any concrete evidence.

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Direction of the Attack

Analysis of surveillance footage indicates that the rocket came from the northwest, from territory controlled by the Ukrainian army. The reflection of the surface-to-air missile is also visible shortly before the impact, further suggesting that the rocket could not have originated from Russian-controlled territory.

Satellite Images and Witness Accounts

Analysis of the impact crater and damage suggests that the rocket was likely fired from the town of Druzhkivka, about 15 kilometers from Kostjantynivka. Residents reported the launch of two air defense missiles shortly before the market was hit. Journalists present in Druzhkivka at the time of the rocket strike also reported hearing rocket launches. An eyewitness confirmed that they were fired from a field on the edge of the town, a location from which the Ukrainian army frequently launches air defense missiles.

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Contradicting Initial Claims

Satellite images showed scorch marks at the launch site on the day of the attack, suggesting recent rocket launches. Fragments of the rocket that hit the market indicate it was a 9M38 missile, used by the Buk air defense system. This contradicts Ukraine’s earlier claim that a missile fired by the Russian S-300 air defense system had hit Kostjantynivka.

Investigation Underway

The military has stated that it is investigating the attack. The effectiveness of Ukraine’s air defense, particularly with weapons supplied by the West, against the Russian missile barrage has been noted. The army claimed to have shot down all 17 cruise missiles launched by the Russians on a particular day, as well as 18 of 24 Shahed kamikaze drones.

This incident draws attention to the complexity of war disputes and the importance of comprehensive investigations before drawing conclusions. As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial that accurate information and fair reporting guide the narrative.