The Ukrainian attack on Makiivka on Sunday left 89 dead, according to a new tally by Russian authorities, who faced rare public displays of anger and sadness at memorial ceremonies for fallen soldiers.
The Russian death toll, initially estimated at 63, was revised after more bodies were found in the ruins of a building, Russian General Sergei Sevryukov explained in a video message released by the Russian Defense Ministry.
“A commission is currently investigating the circumstances” of the attack, he said. “But it is already clear that the main cause (…) is the activation and massive use of mobile phones within range of enemy weapons, contrary to the prohibition,” which would have made it possible to geolocate the troops, added the general.
Listen here to the analysis of Ricardo Alexandre, deputy director and international policy editor of TSF, on the consequences of this attack
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This is the highest death toll from a single attack admitted by Moscow since the offensive began in February.
The Department of Strategic Communications of the Ukrainian Armed Forces claimed that the attack killed at least 400 people deployed and injured 300.
Sunday’s Ukrainian operation using the HIMARS rocket system hit a Russian base and sparked outrage and criticism among Russian military leaders, according to a US think tank.
The latest report from the Institute for the Study of War cites messages in the Russian news space and social media revealing that the attack, in the partially occupied Donetsk region, has generated significant discussion and controversy, with several voices questioning leadership effectiveness. military.
According to this report, the Russian Defense Ministry is trying to deflect responsibility for the origin of the Ukrainian attack by denying responsibility for the operational security of its forces in the Donetsk region.
Military intelligence agents in Moscow received reports that the attack occurred when Russian soldiers breached operational security by using personal cell phones, allowing Ukrainian forces to carry out a precision strike.
Source: TSF