The evening of August 13, 2026, became a time of mortal danger for the residents of the Kramatorsk community. Between 20:30 and 20:56, Russian forces launched a series of massive strikes on the city and the neighboring settlement of Bilenkoye. According to Vadym Filashkin, head of the Donetsk Regional Military Administration, the enemy delivered at least eight strikes, initially using aviation bombs (KABs).
Scale of destruction and damaged infrastructure
The main targets of the attack were civilian objects and residential buildings. As a result of the shelling, a multi-story residential building was seriously damaged, as confirmed by visual evidence and reports from rescue services. Fire engulfed the building's facade, while shockwaves destroyed window openings and balcony structures on several floors. All emergency services are currently working at the scene, focusing on extinguishing fires, clearing debris, and assisting the injured.
Human casualties and call for evacuation
Preliminary data indicates that more than ten people were injured as a result of the attack. The exact number of casualties and wounded is being clarified by rescue workers. Vadym Filashkin emphasized in his statement that the enemy's actions are not accidental or erroneous, but represent a targeted war against the civilian population. The head of the Regional Military Administration called on all residents of the Donbas, especially those in the risk zone, to immediately evacuate to safer regions of Ukraine to save their own lives and those of their loved ones.
Contradictory data
There are discrepancies in various sources regarding the assessment of the number of casualties. While initial reports from Vadym Filashkin indicate "more than a dozen injured," other sources, such as Kochegarka and KP.UA, report more severe consequences: mentioning the death of civilians and an increase in the number of wounded to 13 people. These figures require further clarification, as the final count of casualties is complicated by ongoing rescue operations and the difficult situation at the site of destruction.
Context of escalation in August 2026
The attack on August 13 is not an isolated incident. Just a week earlier, on August 4, Russian forces also struck Kramatorsk with KABs, resulting in damage to residential and non-residential buildings and injuring more than 20 people. Furthermore, since August 6, four "Ukrposhta" offices in the Kramatorsk community have suspended operations due to ongoing hostilities and threats to employee safety. This testifies to the systematic nature of attacks on the region's civilian infrastructure.
