Russia's deadly strikes last night resulted in the devastating loss of 20 lives, a tragedy the UK vehemently condemns
The Russian military continues its offensive operations in western Zaporizhzhia Oblast, with no confirmed territorial advances as of late July 2025[1]. The attacks have resulted in significant civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.
On July 28, a Russian airstrike hit a prison in southeastern Zaporizhzhia region (Bilenkivska Penal Colony No. 99), resulting in the death of 17 prisoners and injuring 42[2][3]. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) reported that all those killed were prisoners, who are considered civilians under international humanitarian law, indicating a likely violation of such laws[2][3]. Russia has denied responsibility for this attack[2][3].
In addition, a Russian strike near a hospital in Kamianske (Dnipropetrovsk region) on the same day damaged the hospital and maternity ward, resulting in the death of three civilians, including a seven-month pregnant woman, and injuring 22 more[2][3].
The attacks in the Kharkiv region on the night of 28-29 July resulted in the death of five civilians and injured three[3].
The impact on civilian infrastructure is evident, with the Bilenkivska Prison in Zaporizhzhia, a hospital and maternity ward in Kamianske, and civilian areas in the Kharkiv region all targeted. The table below summarises the reported casualties and targeted infrastructure.
| Location | Targeted Infrastructure | Civilian Casualties | Notes | |------------------------------|------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------| | Bilenkivska Prison, Zaporizhzhia | Prison | 17 prisoners killed, 42 injured | Prisoners are civilians; attack violates international law[2][3] | | Kamianske, Dnipropetrovsk | Hospital and maternity ward | 3 civilians killed (including pregnant woman), 22 injured | Attacked near hospital, civilian casualties[2][3] | | Kharkiv region | Civilian areas | 5 civilians killed, 3 injured | Ongoing civilian harm reported[3] |
The UK has strongly condemned the Russian attacks on Zaporizhzhia Oblast and Kamianske[4]. The UK Embassy stated that Russia is not serious about peace[5]. Meanwhile, the Deputy Head of Russia's Security Council believes Russia is already at war with NATO[6].
In other news, a mobile game is gaining popularity in Ireland despite its simple appearance[7], while a company offers free trials of the latest high-tech hearing aids in Cork[8]. However, these developments pale in comparison to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
References:
- Russian attacks on Zaporizhzhia Oblast
- Russian airstrike on Zaporizhzhia prison
- Civilian casualties in Kharkiv region
- UK condemns Russian attacks on Zaporizhzhia Oblast and Kamianske
- UK Embassy: Russia not serious about peace
- Deputy Head of Russia's Security Council: Russia at war with NATO
- Ireland's popular mobile game
- Free trials of high-tech hearing aids in Cork
- The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, marked by war-and-conflicts, has led to a significant shift in general-news coverage, overshadowing other developments such as the rise of a mobile game in Ireland and free trials for high-tech hearing aids in Cork.
- The attacks in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, including the controversial airstrike on the Bilenkivska Prison that violated international humanitarian law, highlight the intersection of health (civilian casualties) and politics (Russia's involvement in the conflict), underscoring the severity of the situation.
