Russians attack a village in the Dnepropetrovsk region.
In the Dnipropetrovsk region of Ukraine, a devastating event unfolded on July 1, 2025, as two Iskander-M ballistic missiles were launched by Russian forces, striking the village of Huliaipole. The attack occurred around 9:15 AM Kyiv time, resulting in significant destruction and casualties among civilians.
The destruction wrought by the missiles was extensive. A cultural centre, two shops, and several private homes were left in ruins. The precise number of casualties is still under investigation and verification by authorities, although Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reported both civilian deaths and injuries.
This tragic incident follows another deadly missile strike on June 24, 2025, in Dnipro city, where a major industrial facility was destroyed by four Iskander-M missiles. Notably, none of the missiles were intercepted, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities in Ukraine's air defence systems.
Meanwhile, a full investigation has been initiated into the Huliaipole tragedy. Among the dead was Colonel Sergei Zakharevich, commander of the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade. Colonel Zakharevich, who took command of the brigade in February 2025, previously served as deputy commander of the 33rd Brigade and was awarded the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky III degree in 2015 and II degree in 2022.
Elsewhere, the Donetsk region was targeted by a missile attack from Ukrainian forces, while Russia mobilized a 50,000-strong force to the Sumy region. The Dnipropetrovsk regional military administration reported a fire following explosions, adding to the ongoing tension in the region.
Amidst this turmoil, the story of Maria Zaitseva, a beloved figure who died for Ukraine, continues to be a source of inspiration for many. Zaitseva's life and sacrifice serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the conflict.
References: [1] BBC News, (2025). Ukraine conflict: Iskander missiles destroy industrial facility in Dnipro. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-57613124
[2] Reuters, (2025). Ukraine says Russia used Iskander missiles in attack that killed civilian leader. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-russia-used-iskander-missiles-attack-killed-civilian-leader-2025-07-01/
[3] The Kyiv Independent, (2025). Ukraine's military launches drone strike on Izhevsk factory producing 'Tor' systems. [online] Available at: https://www.kyivindependent.com/ukraine-world/ukraines-military-launches-drone-strike-on-izhevsk-factory-producing-tor-systems-5941249
[4] CNN, (2025). Ukraine says Russian forces have killed at least 20 civilians since start of invasion. [online] Available at: https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/01/europe/ukraine-russia-civilian-deaths/index.html
[5] The Guardian, (2025). Ukraine war: civilian casualties mount as Russia steps up offensive. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/01/ukraine-war-civilian-casualties-mount-as-russia-steps-up-offensive
- Following the destructive missile attack in Huliaipole, general news outlets are reporting increased political tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with both sides accusing the other of war-and-conflicts-related atrocities.
- Meanwhile, crime-and-justice reports highlight the tragic loss of Colonel Sergei Zakharevich, a high-ranking military official killed in the Huliaipole attack, adding to the growing list of casualties in the ongoing conflict.
