Western reporters witness, document Ukrainian family killed by Russian shelling outside Kyiv
"Russian forces probably made minimal ground advances over the weekend," Britain's Ministry of Defense said Sunday evening, in its latest intelligence update. But "over the past 24 hours, a high level of Russian air and artillery strikes have continued to hit military and civilian sites in Ukrainian cities," including Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv, especially Mariupol.
Russia also shelled Ukrainian civilians fleeing the contested Ukrainian suburb of Irpin on Sunday, killing at least eight civilians, according to mayor Oleksandr Markushyn. Four of those deaths — a mother, her teenage son, a daughter about 8, and a family friend — were witnessed by reporters for The New York Times, a freelance videographer, and by Markushyn, he said in a video posted online. "The shell hit, and in front of my own eyes died two small children and two adults," Markushyn said.
The Times has a photo of the dead family, taken by photographer Lynsey Addario, where you can see their lifeless faces, and an annotated version of the video. The BBC showed graphic video of the slain family, but with their faces covered, in a report on the Irpin evacuation by reporter Jeremy Bowen.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"In Irpin, residents have been streaming out for days, as Russian shelling has increasingly hit civilian neighborhoods," The Wall Street Journal reports. "Sunday was the first time Russia directly attacked an evacuation route — as hundreds of civilians were trying to escape" across a partially destroyed bridge.
The mom, her children, and their friend were waiting with the other civilian evacuees, "calculating their odds of making it safely over the Irpin River," the Times reports. "The Russian mortar hit just as they made it across into Kyiv. A cloud of concrete dust lofted into the morning air. When it settled, Ukrainians could be seen running madly from the scene. But not the family. ... The group's luggage was scattered about them. A small green pet carrier lay nearby, too. A dog could be heard barking."
Despite growing evidence, Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly insisted Russia's military is not targeting civilians, and "he did so again on Sunday, a day after a railroad track used to evacuate Ukrainians came under fire," the Times notes. Reuters on Sunday also posted video of its journalists coming under Russian shelling in Irpin.
"We will not forgive the shooting of unarmed people," and "God will not forgive," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Sunday night. "Not today. Not tomorrow. Never."
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
The growing thirst for camel milk
Under the radar Climate change and health-conscious consumers are pushing demand for nutrient-rich product – and the growth of industrialised farming
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
'Good riddance to the televised presidential debate'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Caitlin Clark the No. 1 pick in bullish WNBA Draft
Speed Read As expected, she went to the Indiana Fever
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Why is Ukraine backing far-right militias in Russia?
Today's Big Question The role of the fighters is a 'double-edged sword' for Kyiv, say commentators
By The Week UK Published
-
What does victory now look like for Ukraine?
Today's Big Question Not losing is as important as winning as the tide turns in Russia's favour again
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
Israel proposes two-month pause in Gaza war in exchange for all Hamas hostages
Speed Read Deal doesn't include an agreement to end war, but might be 'the only path that could lead to a ceasefire', said US officials
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Nato official warns of all-out war with Russia in next 20 years
Speed Read Civilians must prepare for life-changing conflict and mass mobilisation, says military chief
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Rishi Sunak visits Kyiv to announce £2.5 billion in military support for Ukraine
Speed Read Surprise trip comes amid increased Russian bombardment and escalation of Middle East crisis
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
British warship repels 'largest Houthi attack to date' in the Red Sea
Speed read Western allies warn of military response to Iranian-backed Yemeni rebels if attacks on ships continue
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
Russia's thorny convict-soldier problem
Under the Radar Putin's Ministry of Defense, like Wagner, is recruiting soldiers from Russian prisons to fight his Ukraine war. Russians aren't excited about them returning home.
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Israel preparing to flood Hamas tunnels with seawater
Speed Read IDF pumps could drive out terrorists but critics warn of danger to hostages and Gaza water supply
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published