Huge explosion hits Russian-occupied city in Ukraine in suspected rocket strike
Ukrainian and Russia have been fighting to the south of Avdiivka, located just 12 miles from where a huge explosion was recorded on Tuesday night in Makiivka.
Explosion in occupied Makiivka
A huge explosion has erupted in a Russian-occupied city in eastern Ukraine, prompting reports that a US-supplied HIMARS had been used to strike a Russian ammunition depot. Ukraine has claimed to have made advances in areas roughly 10 miles north of the city of Makiivka, where the strike took place on Tuesday night.
Conflicting reports of exactly what happened have appeared on both Ukrainian and Russian Telegram channels.
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Alexander Kamyshov, deputy of the People's Council of the Donetsk People’s Republic, a pro-Russian paramilitary force, reportedly claimed that Ukraine fired two Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) missiles on Makiivka.
Another DPR representative said the attack had been carried out using four rockets, according to Rodion Miroshnik, a pro-Russian figure linked to the Luhansk People’s Republic.
In the footage, a huge fireball can be seen erupting from the site of the strike before a second explosion rings out.
Pro-Ukrainian channels have suggested a Russian ammunition depot used to supply the forces further north on the frontline was destroyed, which caused the extreme explosion.
A large explosion is reported in occupied #Makiivka, Donetsk region. Local media published a video of the explosion. pic.twitter.com/g5TydjUalL
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) July 4, 2023
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Russian state media outlet Readovka has since suggested that the strikes “partially destroyed” a “rehabilitation and clinical department”, according to Kamyshov.
Footage also emerged showing what appears to the outside of a hospital with blood stains scattered across the courtyard.
They also claimed that civilians had been wounded in the strike.
Express.co.uk could not verify these reports, however, and advises caution in interpreting Russian state media, which often looks to misinform in a bid to dissuade Western allies from supporting Ukraine.