A Russian aerial bomb strike on a village in the Ukrainian-controlled area of the Donetsk region has killed at least 21 civilians, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday.

“A brutally savage Russian airstrike with an aerial bomb on the rural settlement of Yarova in the Donetsk region. Directly on people. Ordinary civilians. At the very moment when pensions were being disbursed,” Zelensky wrote on X, adding that “more than 20 people were killed. There are no words.”

Donetsk region Governor Vadym Filashkin announced shortly afterwards that 21 people had been killed in the attack, which he described as “not warfare — but pure terrorism”.

“Rescue workers, medics, police, and the local authorities are currently working at the scene. We are assisting the victims and trying to establish the exact consequences of this crime,” Filashkin added.

“The Russians continue destroying lives while avoiding new strong sanctions and new strong blows. The world must not remain silent. The world must not remain idle,” Zelensky wrote, adding: “A response is needed from the United States. A response is needed from Europe. A response is needed from the G20. Strong actions are needed to make Russia stop bringing death.”