“Russia is always attacking civilians when Ukraine wins on the battlefield” – Zelensky on Kostiantynivka attack

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Russia's shelling of Kostiantynivka in the Donetsk region, killing 16 civilians.

The enemy always attacks civilians when the Ukrainian forces are successful at the front, he said during the press conference with the Danish PM Mette Frederiksen.

The strike hit the market, the shops, the pharmacy… Those who know this city know that it is a civilian place. There are no military units nearby. The strike was deliberate. We understand what they are doing. The same as before, when there are certain positive offensive steps of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, the Russians always strike in that direction, Zelensky said.

Ukraine's leader expressed condolences to citizens whose friends and relatives were killed in the shelling.

This statement follows Russia's attack on Wednesday, September 6, when enemy shelling targeted the town of Kostiantynivka in the frontline Donetsk region. Authorities report at least 16 killed and over 30 wounded.

The latest report adds the shelling damaged 20 shops, power lines, an administrative building, and the 5th floor of a residential building.  Passenger cars and eight commercial buildings were burnt to the ground. A search and rescue operation is currently underway. People are still trapped under the rubble.