According to the Russian Defense Ministry, twenty civilians were killed in shelling from Ukraine on a village in Russia on April 17, 2021. The deadly shells reportedly fell on the village of Novoshakhtinsk in the Rostov region in Russia near the border with Ukraine. The incident occurred just one day after Russia launched a major aerial assault against Ukraine and amid heightened tension in the region.
In response to the incident, the Russian government declared a state of emergency in the village and issued orders to provide medical assistance and evacuation to affected residents in the region. The cause of the shelling is still unknown but the incident has led to increased tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine has denied responsibility for the shelling and both countries have asked the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe to investigate.
This incident follows an escalation of tensions between the two countries after Russia carried out a series of military provocations, including sending troops into eastern Ukraine. The Russian government has repeatedly denied involvement in Ukraine’s ongoing conflict, despite numerous reports of its support for separatists.
The international community has called on both sides to de-escalate tensions and refrain from further conflict, as the fighting continues to threaten stability in the region and put civilians at risk.
