A Russian airstrike hit the frontline village of Yarova in Donetsk Oblast, killing at least 23 people and injuring 18 others, local officials report. 

The attack struck civilians standing in line to receive pensions, with most victims reportedly of retirement age.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strike, calling it “brutal” and “directly targeting ordinary people.” He urged the international community, including the United States, Europe, and G20 members, to take decisive action against Russia.

Vadym Filashkin, Head of the Donetsk Regional Military Administration, described the attack as “pure terrorism.” He said rescue teams, medics, police, and local authorities were working to assist the injured and assess the full damage.

The attack was carried out with a 250kg KAB-250 guided bomb, according to Alexander Zhuravlev, head of the nearby Lyman city military administration.

Ukrposhta, the Ukrainian state-run postal service, was delivering pensions by van when the strike occurred. The CEO confirmed one employee was wounded but survived thanks to rapid assistance.

Ukrposhta said it is now working with authorities to relocate pension and parcel distribution in frontline areas to safer locations to protect people from targeted Russian attacks.

“Since the beginning of the war, we have continuously adjusted our security procedures, and […] the vehicle was parked under trees to reduce the risk of being noticed. But apparently, someone gave away the coordinates,” the CEO said.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also called on the world to condemn the attack, stressing that Russia deliberately targets ordinary civilians.

Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, called for international measures, including sanctions and increased support for Ukraine’s defense, to prevent further attacks.

“Russian propaganda claims to be ‘saving’ people in the Donetsk region, but in reality, it is dropping massive air bombs on people who came to receive pensions,” Sybiha said on X.