Ukraine endured another violent day as over 30 died and 102 were wounded in Mariupol from attacks by pro-Russian separatists. The majority of those killed were innocent civilians, including two children.
Mariupol is a port city in the Donetsk Oblast. It is important for strategic reasons to Ukraine and Russia since it lies right on the Black Sea. The proximity to Russia would allow Moscow to easily move in people and supplies by road as well. As of writing Kiev is in control of the city, but control passed between Ukraine and pro-Russians in 2014.
Rebel leader Alexander Zakharchenko confirmed the separatists attacked the city.
The mayor said rockets launched from GRAD missile systems hit a crowded market “and other buildings were in flames in a southeastern residential district” around 9AM local time.
President Petro Poroshenko released a statement before he traveled to Saudi Arabia to attend the funeral of King Abdullah.
“Bloody murder of dozens of civilians and wounding of nearly a hundred people by pro-Russian terrorists in Mariupol is not a terrorist attack,” he said. “It is a crime against humanity that should be submitted to the Hague Tribunal.”
He encouraged the international community to recognize the separatist regions as terrorist organizations. He also said the communities must “call their patrons by name.”
“Any assistance to militaries, the supply of weapons, equipment and well-trained manpower – isn’t it a support of terrorism visible to the entire world?” he asked.
He spoke of Russia, who supplies and helps the pro-Russians separatists. They deny involvement, but evidence continues to pile against them.
Pictures and video of the attacks surfaced on social media.
Shells stuck eastern suburb and market in #Mariupol this morning. Number of victims unknown. http://t.co/H1seODh6NChttps://t.co/1ZGA683FXt
— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) January 24, 2015
Photos of shelling this morning in #Mariupol by @0629ComUa. More images and video here: http://t.co/H1seODh6NC pic.twitter.com/uEMtjqcyhE
— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) January 24, 2015
This photo purports to show cars going up in flames after the rocket strike in #Mariupol. pic.twitter.com/IBBx5Nl32e via @SputnikATO
— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) January 24, 2015
Intense, graphic POV footage from aftermath of #Mariupol shelling that killed 27 people today. War is ugly & awful. https://t.co/nSb2rtl4OQ
— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) January 24, 2015
This is what being in the middle of a Grad multiple missile attack looks like from a dashcam. Truly terrifying. https://t.co/1W0eDRQswR
— Shaun Walker (@shaunwalker7) January 24, 2015
OSCE says Kremlin-backed fighters to blame for Mariupol shelling that killed 30 civilians. http://t.co/ZI9PWgZDJP pic.twitter.com/5jE5VzIs2I
— Anders Östlund (@andersostlund) January 24, 2015
Rocket remnant stuck in ground in east #Mariupol, showing that the rockets came from east. via @OleSolvang pic.twitter.com/WwAjmEirdL
— David Patrikarakos (@dpatrikarakos) January 24, 2015
Russia makes war. Russia creates terror. #RussiainvadedUkraine #Mariupol #Donetsk pic.twitter.com/LMIH8es3o6
— Anders Östlund (@andersostlund) January 24, 2015
More photos from Mariupol after shelling this morning (source: http://t.co/wuNVUbjnrd – more on this website) pic.twitter.com/N1UYRXNGAK
— Paul Gypteau (@paulgypteau) January 24, 2015
East Mariupol, Kiev street, after Russian Uragan attack pic.twitter.com/Sz0wr4huu6 via @patriot_petya
— Putin@War (@DajeyPetros) January 24, 2015
On January 20, Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk confirmed more Russian forces entered Ukraine after he spoke with the National Security and Defense Council.
“I have just spoken with the national defense and security council secretary,” he said. “Ukrainian military intelligence confirm the fact military personnel and equipment have been transferred from Russia to Ukraine. Tanks, GRAD multiple rocket systems, BUK and SMERCH systems, radio electronic intelligence systems are not sold at local Donetsk street markets. Only the Russian army and Defense Ministry have them.”
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