Photo:Reuters

The recent Russian missile strike that killed five civilians in the city of Kostiantynivka, in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region, is a tragic reminder of the devastating impact the ongoing war continues to have on innocent lives. Located near the frontline, this city has become familiar with violence and destruction since the start of the war in 2022, enduring repeated attacks that have shattered homes, disrupted daily life, and caused untold suffering. As fighting intensifies once again, the people of Kostiantynivka bear a heavy burden — a human cost that demands our attention and urgent response.

Kostiantynivka: A City Under Siege

Kostiantynivka stands as a symbol of the frontline struggle. Since the invasion began in early 2022, the city has frequently come under fire from Russian artillery, bombs, and missile strikes targeting both military and civilian infrastructure. The latest deadly attack is part of a pattern of brutality targeting towns near the combat zones in Donetsk Oblast.

In this latest strike, reported on August 24, 2025, Russian forces launched guided bombs that hit residential areas. According to local authorities, five civilians—three men and two women—were killed, and several others wounded. Buildings, homes, and essential infrastructure suffered significant damage. Emergency responders and investigators rushed to the scene to rescue survivors, tend to the injured, and document the devastation.

Kostiantynivka's population has sharply decreased due to the fighting. Once home to tens of thousands, only a fraction remain, trapped between the dangers of war and the difficulties of displacement. The city’s gas station, schools, post office, markets, and even power infrastructure have not escaped the destruction, severely impacting civilians’ ability to access basic services. According to the Donetsk governor and other officials on the ground, evacuations continue but remain challenging.

A War that Hits Civilians First

What makes the situation particularly heartbreaking is that the victims are not soldiers or combatants but ordinary civilians going about their lives. Multiple attacks in Kostiantynivka have repeatedly killed and injured families, including elderly people and children.

Between 2023 and 2025, earlier strikes hit a crowded market, a supermarket, a humanitarian support center, and residential neighborhoods, resulting in dozens of civilian deaths and injuries. Many of these attacks have been condemned by the Ukrainian government and human rights organizations as war crimes because they deliberately or recklessly target non-combatants.

Despite Moscow’s claims that it targets only military objectives, evidence from monitors and eyewitness accounts shows that residential areas and civilian infrastructure continue to be hit. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine reported an alarming rise in civilian casualties in 2025, attributing much of the escalation to Russian missile and drone strikes in frontline and urban areas. In August 2025 alone, at least 208 civilians were killed in Ukraine, with many deaths near the frontline, including in places like Kostiantynivka.

The Wider Context of the Donetsk Conflict

The Donetsk region, where Kostiantynivka lies, has become a focal point of fierce fighting because of its strategic importance. Russian forces have sought to extend their control by breaking Ukrainian defensive lines in the area. These attempts have led to intense bombardments targeting towns and supply routes.

Russia’s military actions have caused not only civilian casualties but also widespread damage to infrastructure critical to daily life—electricity, gas, water, transportation, and healthcare. This destruction compounds the physical harm caused by bombing, leaving survivors to face harsh conditions without access to basic necessities, especially as colder months approach.

In response, Ukrainian authorities and international partners call for increased aid, stronger defense systems, and diplomatic pressure to curb attacks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned attacks like the recent one on Kostiantynivka, calling on global allies for more support to protect people and uphold international law.

The Urgency for Lasting Peace

The repeated strikes on civilians reveal a brutal truth: the war extends beyond the battlefield to impact the lives of ordinary people caught in the crossfire. Kostiantynivka’s residents face a daily threat not only from ongoing military operations but also from the far-reaching consequences of war—displacement, loss of livelihoods, trauma, and uncertainty about the future.

For the global community, Kostiantynivka’s suffering is a call to renew efforts toward peace and humanitarian assistance. Ending the cycle of violence requires sustained diplomatic engagement, respect for human rights, and measures to hold perpetrators accountable.

As the war enters its fourth year, the story of Kostiantynivka offers a poignant example of the urgent need to protect civilians, rebuild communities, and promote lasting peace. The memory of those lost in the recent strike must inspire action—not just words—to stop the killing and help survivors rebuild their shattered lives.