"Ukrainian Forces Shell Russian Rescue Team"...Claims of Civilian Deaths Also Reported

‘Dam Explosion’ in Ukraine's Southern Kherson Region
Russia Says "Rescue Team Faces Difficulties"

The Russian side claimed on the 8th (local time) that Ukrainian forces shelled a Russian rescue team operating in Kherson Province in southern Ukraine, resulting in civilian casualties.

According to major foreign media reports, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, told reporters on the day, "Russian rescuers are operating in the flooded areas caused by the Kakhovka Dam explosion in Kherson Province, but they are facing difficulties in rescue operations due to shelling by Ukrainian forces." He added, "Russian President Vladimir Putin is monitoring the situation in the area where the dam explosion occurred and currently has no plans to visit the region."

The Russian side also claimed that civilian casualties occurred due to the shelling. Vladimir Saldo, head of the Russian military administration in the occupied area of Kherson Province, said in a Telegram message on the day, "The Ukrainian regime's soldiers committed a crime," adding, "Two civilians died from shelling in a civilian evacuation area in the Kherson region." He further stated, "The shelling occurred at Hola Prystan, a civilian evacuation point," and "Among the deceased was a 33-year-old pregnant woman."

[Image source=Yonhap News]