A Russian airstrike on the village of Novoosynove in Kharkiv Oblast resulted in the deaths of two civilians and injuries to three others, including children.
On February 20, 2023, a Russian airstrike targeted the village of Novoosynove in the Kupiansk district of Kharkiv Oblast, resulting in significant civilian casualties. Two individuals, a 30-year-old man and a 59-year-old woman, lost their lives in the attack, while three others, including a 13-year-old girl and a 33-year-old woman, were injured. Additionally, a seven-year-old girl was found to be suffering from an acute stress reaction due to the incident.
Following the airstrike, local authorities reported extensive damage to residential buildings in the area. The attack was met with immediate condemnation, and a pre-trial investigation was initiated by the Kupiansk District Prosecutor's Office, focusing on the potential violation of international humanitarian law and war crimes under Article 438.2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. This investigation highlights the ongoing conflict's impact on civilians and the urgency for accountability in war crimes.
This incident exemplifies the continued risk posed to civilian populations in war-torn regions of Ukraine. The targeted nature of the attack raises concerns about the strategic decisions made by the Russian Armed Forces and the implications for international relations, as calls for accountability and changes in military engagement standards are becoming increasingly pronounced in light of ongoing hostilities.
