Death toll from Russian missile strike in Ukraine's Merefa rises to 36
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KHARKIV REGION, Ukraine — The number of people killed in a Russian missile attack on the town of Merefa has risen to 36, regional authorities announced Monday. The strike, which targeted a civilian area, represents one of the deadliest single incidents in the Kharkiv region in recent months.
Emergency services responded immediately to the scene following the impact, which occurred late Sunday. Rescue teams worked through the night to clear debris and recover bodies from the rubble of damaged residential buildings. Local officials stated that the attack struck a densely populated district, resulting in significant structural damage and a high casualty count.
The Kharkiv regional military administration confirmed the updated death toll in a statement released Monday afternoon. The administration noted that rescue operations were ongoing and that the number of injured remains under assessment. Hospitals in nearby Kharkiv city were placed on high alert to receive casualties transported from the scene. Medical teams reported treating dozens of survivors for shrapnel wounds and trauma.
Russian forces have not commented on the specific strike in Merefa. Moscow has previously stated that its military operations target Ukrainian command centers and military infrastructure, though independent observers have frequently documented strikes on civilian infrastructure in the region. The attack comes amid a period of intensified aerial bombardment across eastern Ukraine.
Mayor of Merefa, who has been coordinating relief efforts, described the scene as catastrophic. Local residents reported hearing multiple explosions before the impact, suggesting a coordinated barrage. The town, located near the border with Russia, has been a frequent target of artillery and missile fire throughout the conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack in a televised address, calling it a deliberate assault on civilians. He urged international partners to strengthen air defense systems to protect Ukrainian cities. The United States and European Union have previously pledged additional air defense missiles to Kyiv, though delivery timelines remain uncertain.
The attack has raised concerns about the safety of civilians in border regions. Merefa is a transit hub for humanitarian aid and refugees, and the strike has disrupted supply lines. Aid organizations are assessing the damage to local infrastructure, including roads and utilities, which are critical for the town's recovery.
As of Monday evening, the full extent of the damage remains unclear. Authorities have not released a list of the deceased, and families are still searching for missing relatives. The investigation into the attack is ongoing, with Ukrainian prosecutors gathering evidence for potential war crimes charges. The situation in Merefa remains volatile, with residents urged to stay in shelters due to the threat of further strikes.