Central Dobropillia in Donetsk Oblast experiences a tragic aerial bombing by Russians, resulting in the death of two and injuring 27, as evidenced by photos and videos.
The small town of Dobropillia in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, was the site of a devastating attack on July 16, 2025. Russian forces dropped a 500-kilogram aerial bomb on the bustling central shopping area, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
According to initial reports, the attack resulted in two civilian deaths and 27 injuries. As the situation unfolded, the number of injured civilians rose to 27, as confirmed by the Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office. Rescue operations, including firefighting and search-and-rescue teams, have been actively working to extinguish fires and search for additional victims amid the rubble.
The bombing occurred near the Aurora store in Dobropillia, causing damage to 54 retail units, 304 apartments across 13 multi-story buildings, and eight vehicles. Emergency services, law enforcement, and local authorities have been coordinating a comprehensive relief and recovery operation.
Vadym Filashkin, head of the Donetsk Regional Military Administration, condemned the attack as a deliberate strike on a crowded civilian area and emphasized the urgency for civilians to evacuate to safer regions. President Volodymyr Zelensky has also strongly condemned the strike, calling it "horrendous" and lacking "military logic," underscoring the attack as a war crime on civilians.
Russian forces are reportedly attempting to advance towards Dobropillia from the southeast. The attack on Dobropillia is part of a broader pattern of Russian attacks targeting civilian infrastructure, with the strategic aim likely to break Ukrainian morale amid stalled peace negotiations.
As the investigation into the bombing incident continues, others may still be trapped under the rubble. The local hospital doesn't have room for everyone affected by the attack, and emergency workers, medics, and military doctors are working tirelessly at the scene to provide care and treatment.
Dobropillia, located approximately 15 km from the front line, is a town in the west of Donetsk Oblast. The community is now left to pick up the pieces and rebuild in the aftermath of this tragic event.
Human rights organizations have expressed concern over the escalating war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, particularly the attack on Dobropillia, which resulted in civilian casualties and destruction of infrastructure. Politicians worldwide have condemned the attack as a violation of general news laws and international humanitarian norms, emphasizing the urgency to hold those responsible accountable.
