A missile attack by Russian forces on residential buildings in the eastern Ukrainian town of Pokrovsk has resulted in the tragic loss of lives. Officials confirm that four civilians and one official have been killed, with 31 individuals sustaining injuries, according to Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. The exact number of casualties has not been specified by President Volodymyr Zelensky, who acknowledged the presence of victims.

The rescue operation is currently underway. Located approximately 70km northwest of Donetsk city, which is under Russian occupation, Pokrovsk had a population of around 60,000 people before the conflict. The initial strike claimed the lives of four civilians, while a second strike led to the death of an emergency services official. The injured include police officers, rescuers, and a child.

President Zelensky shared footage of a five-story building that bore the brunt of the attack, displaying civilians clearing debris and rescue teams assisting people into ambulances. The incident caused widespread confusion and chaos. Pavlo Krylenko, Donetsk region's leader, indicated that the strikes caused damage to private sector residential buildings, a hotel, eateries, shops, and administrative structures.

He cautioned about the potential for further attacks and advised residents to seek shelter. Moreover, Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine's Presidential Office, reported that Russian-guided bombs targeting "private houses" in the Kharkiv Region resulted in the deaths of at least two civilians on Monday evening, along with five individuals sustaining injuries.

The attacks came a day after a Russian "guided bomb" hit a blood transfusion center in north-eastern Ukraine, killing two people, according to Ukrainian officials.

Ukraine has been trying to regain territory occupied by Russia but has made modest gains since launching a counter-offensive two months ago.

On Sunday Mr. Zelensky sought to justify attacks on Russian ships in the Black Sea, telling Argentine newspaper La Nacion that Ukraine "has to find another method to end the blockade of our water".

"If Russia continues to dominate its territory in the Black Sea and blockading, firing missiles, then Ukraine will do the same, which is a fair protection of our chances," he said.

Russia withdrew from a deal allowing the export of Ukrainian grain and warned ships in the Black Sea they could face military action, prompting Ukraine to issue a similar declaration.

Last week, a Russian tanker with 11 crew members was hit by what Moscow said was a Ukrainian attack in the Black Sea. Although Ukraine did not comment publicly, a security service source told the BBC a sea drone had been used.

That followed a similar sea drone attack on a Russian naval ship near the Russian port of Novorossiysk, which is a major hub for Russian exports.

Naval drones, or sea drones, are small, unmanned vessels that operate on or below the water's surface. Research by BBC Verify suggests Ukraine has carried out several attacks with sea drones.

Too bad