In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Ukraine was struck by tragedy during a military award ceremony in a village near the southeastern front line in the Zaporizhzhia region.
A missile strike, believed to involve at least one Russian Iskander missile, hit the area, leading to the death of 19 brave soldiers and causing civilian casualties. This incident has deeply shaken the nation and highlighted the brutal realities of the ongoing conflict.
The soldiers, part of the 128th Assault Brigade, had come together to be honored for their service, particularly recognizing the artillery branch of the Ukrainian military.
The ceremony, meant to be a celebration of valor and dedication, was tragically transformed into a scene of sorrow and loss.
President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his address to the nation, conveyed the depth of the loss, emphasizing the nation's mourning for the fallen heroes. He assured that the circumstances leading to this catastrophe are being thoroughly investigated, ensuring that those responsible for any breaches in safety protocols would be held accountable.
Ukrainian President Zelensky further revealed that Dmytro Lysiuk, the commanding officer of the 128th Assault Brigade, has been suspended pending an investigation into a tragic incident that resulted in the death of the 19 soldiers.