In a devastating attack last night, Russian missiles struck the city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of eight people and injuring 31 others. The targeted areas included a hotel and an apartment complex, both popular among journalists, aid workers, and the military.

Two missiles hit the city within a span of 40 minutes, causing significant damage to multiple structures. Eyewitnesses described the horrifying scenes as civilians rushed to rescue and provide assistance to those trapped under the debris.

One resident, Kateryna, shared her harrowing experience of hearing the first blast and believing she had been spared, only to be hit by the second blast. She suffered injuries to her eyes and head, requiring treatment at a hospital.

The aftermath of the attack revealed images of rescuers sifting through rubble, a car completely destroyed, and balconies torn away from an apartment building. The impact of the missiles left the Druzhba Hotel missing several floors, emphasizing the severity of the attack on civilian infrastructure.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Russia for its aggression and accused them of attempting to destroy eastern Ukraine. He specifically mentioned the use of Iskander ballistic missiles in the attack, emphasizing that Russia's aim is to leave nothing but "broken and scorched stones" in the region.

This assault comes at a time when diplomats from around 40 countries gathered in Saudi Arabia to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The meeting was criticized by Russia, who was not invited, claiming it held no value.

The Russian Foreign Ministry reiterated its willingness to consider serious proposals for a diplomatic solution, but also insisted on demands such as Kyiv acknowledging Russia's annexation of Crimea and regions it currently partially controls.

Ukrainian officials have made it clear that they will not accept any terms that allow Russia to expand its influence in the occupied territories. Zelensky's advisor, Mykhailo Podolyak, emphasized the importance of complete Russian military evacuation from the occupied areas.

Amidst these tensions, it is important to note that Ukraine has been a top target for the Kremlin since the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Zelensky, who refused to leave Kyiv as Russia's forces approached, has been a priority for the Russian regime.

Recent reports indicate that a woman, alleged to be a Russian informant, was detained for gathering information for an airstrike during Zelensky's visit to the Mykolaiv region. The international community continues to condemn Russia's aggression and calls for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. However, the devastating attack on Pokrovsk serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing violence and loss of innocent lives in the region.