Fact Check: "At least 15 people were killed and dozens more were wounded in Russian strikes on Kyiv on October 10, 2023."
What We Know
On October 10, 2023, Russian strikes targeted Kyiv, resulting in significant casualties. Reports indicate that at least 12 people were killed and over 70 were injured in what was described as one of the deadliest attacks on the city since the previous summer. The attack involved a barrage of missiles and drones that hit multiple neighborhoods, causing extensive damage to residential buildings and infrastructure (AP News). Ukrainian authorities confirmed that 42 people were hospitalized as rescue operations continued to recover victims from the rubble (AP News).
While some reports suggested that the total number of casualties might reach 15, this figure appears to be a conflation of different sources and contexts, as the most consistent reports from credible news outlets confirmed 12 fatalities specifically linked to the October 10 strikes in Kyiv (Reuters).
Analysis
The claim that "at least 15 people were killed" is partially true. The most authoritative sources, including the Associated Press, reported 12 confirmed deaths from the strikes on October 10, 2023 (AP News). However, there are indications from other reports that the total casualty count could be higher, potentially including deaths from related incidents or subsequent reports that aggregate casualties over time (Reuters).
The discrepancy in numbers could arise from the chaotic nature of such attacks, where initial reports may not capture the full extent of casualties as rescue operations unfold. Additionally, the context of ongoing conflict means that casualty figures can be fluid and subject to updates as more information becomes available.
The reliability of the sources is generally high, with major news organizations like the Associated Press and Reuters providing timely updates based on official statements from Ukrainian authorities and on-the-ground reporting. However, the potential for miscommunication or misreporting in the immediate aftermath of such events should be considered, particularly in a conflict zone where information can be rapidly evolving.
Conclusion
The claim that "at least 15 people were killed" in the Russian strikes on Kyiv on October 10, 2023, is partially true. While the most reliable reports confirm 12 fatalities, the possibility of additional casualties being reported later cannot be ruled out. Therefore, while the claim is not entirely accurate, it reflects a broader context of ongoing violence and its impact on civilian populations.
Sources
- Russian strike on Kyiv kills at least 12 in biggest attack on Ukrainian ...
- Russia kills at least 15 in strikes on Kyiv, other cities
- Russian strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure (2022– ...
- Russian drone strike kills teen girl in Kyiv and 5 others dead in ...
- Casualties of the Russo-Ukrainian War
- Russian Drone and Missile Strikes on Kyiv Kill at Least 14
- Russia's biggest air attack of war kills 31 in Ukraine, officials say
- Ten civilians killed in Russian attacks on Ukraine, Kyiv ...