Russian strike kills 1, injures 3 in Toretsk, Donetsk Oblast.

Russian forces launched a strike against Toretsk in Donetsk Oblast on Aug.

28 most likely using cluster munitions, killing a woman and injuring three more residents, the Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office reported[1]. "On Aug.

28, 2023, at 6 p.m., Russian forces launched a strike against Toretsk, most likely using cluster munitions (launched by) the Uragan multiple-launch rocket system," the prosecutors said. "A 39-year-old woman was killed by an enemy projectile while carrying out household chores in her yard."

Three more civilians sustained shrapnel injuries and contusions while in their homes, including a married couple aged 72 and 73, and a 88-year-old woman, according to the report. All three injured victims have been hospitalized, the prosecutors clarified. The rocket strike also reportedly damaged several residential houses and apartment buildings.

Russian forces have repeatedly used cluster munitions against civilian targets in Ukraine. On July 25, a Russian cluster munitions strike[2] killed or injured several people, including children, in Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast. While Kyiv has also acquired the cluster munitions, the Ukrainian military said[3] they will be deployed only against concentrated Russian military positions and far from heavily populated areas.

The weaponry in question is controversial due to the risks it presents to non-combatants. The shells carry smaller bomblets which are spread over a wider area upon detonation. Bomblets that do not explode right upon impact can bring harm to civilians long after the hostilities are already over.

Over 120 countries signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions, banning their use, transfer, production, and stockpiling. Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. are not among the signatories.

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26-27: * ISW: Ukrainian forces within striking distance of next layer of Russian defenses in Zaporizhzhia Oblast * Ukraine increases drone attacks on Russia * Official: New Ukrainian-made missile used to strike Crimea * UK Defense Ministry: Ukraine, Russia fight over str...

News Editor

Martin Fornusek is a news editor at the Kyiv Independent. He has previously worked as a news content editor at the media company Newsmatics and is a contributor to Euromaidan Press. He also volunteers as an editor and translator at the Czech-language version of Ukrainer.

Martin studied at Masaryk University in Brno, Czechia, holding a bachelor's degree in security studies and history and a master's degree in conflict and democracy studies.

References

1. ^ reported (t.me)
2. ^ strike (kyivindependent.com)
3. ^ said (kyivindependent.com)
4. ^ Ukraine war latest: Russia ramps up offensive in Kharkiv, Luhansk oblastsKey development on Aug.

   26-27: * ISW: Ukrainian forces within striking distance of next layer of Russian defenses in Zaporizhzhia Oblast * Ukraine increases drone attacks on Russia * Official: New Ukrainian-made missile used to strike Crimea * UK Defense Ministry: Ukraine, Russia fight over str... (kyivindependent.com)