At least 20 people killed in Russian glide bomb attack on village in eastern Ukraine

At least 20 people were killed and several others wounded after a Russian glide bomb struck a village in eastern Ukraine, local officials confirmed on Tuesday. The attack, one of the deadliest on civilians in recent weeks, targeted residential areas and left homes reduced to rubble, underscoring the rising use of heavy aerial munitions in Russia’s campaign.

Ukrainian authorities said the strike occurred in a settlement near the frontline, where Moscow has been intensifying its offensive operations. Glide bombs—large, winged munitions launched from aircraft at a distance—have increasingly been deployed by Russian forces to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses. These weapons, which can carry powerful explosive payloads, pose a particular challenge because they are harder to intercept than traditional missiles.

Rescue teams rushed to the scene to search for survivors under collapsed buildings. Officials warned that the death toll could rise as emergency workers continue clearing debris. “This was a deliberate strike against civilians,” said a regional governor, describing the attack as part of Russia’s broader strategy to spread terror in populated areas.

The incident highlights both the growing human toll of the war and the difficulties Ukraine faces in defending its skies. Kyiv has repeatedly appealed to Western allies for advanced air defense systems, including additional Patriot batteries, to counter the threat of glide bombs and other precision-guided munitions. Military analysts note that while Ukraine has successfully used Western-supplied systems to shoot down missiles and drones, it remains vulnerable to glide bombs, which can be launched from aircraft operating outside Ukrainian airspace.

International reaction to the strike was swift. European officials condemned the attack as a blatant violation of humanitarian law, while human rights groups urged stronger measures to hold Russia accountable for targeting civilians. The United Nations also called for an immediate halt to indiscriminate strikes on residential areas.

For Ukraine, the attack serves as a stark reminder of the escalating challenges on the battlefield. While its forces continue to hold defensive positions in the east, the sheer scale of Russian firepower—combined with the persistent use of glide bombs—adds pressure on Kyiv as it seeks to secure more military support from the West.

The tragedy has deepened local fears in frontline communities, where residents live under constant threat of bombardment. Survivors of the attack described scenes of devastation, with entire families buried under debris and a once-quiet village now reduced to ruins.

As Ukraine mourns the loss of life, officials have vowed to strengthen calls for greater international backing, arguing that without stronger air defenses, more civilian lives will be lost to Russia’s relentless campaign.