Fact Check: The airstrike on Kupiansk caused fires in residential apartments
What We Know
On October 5, 2023, a missile strike in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine resulted in the deaths of 51 individuals, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky labeling it a "fully deliberate terrorist attack" by Russia. Initial reports indicated that the missile struck a grocery store and café in Hroza, approximately 20 miles from Kupyansk, a city that has been the focus of intense military activity (Washington Post).
Additionally, a separate incident on June 13, 2023, involved a Russian aerial bomb hitting a residential building in Kupyansk, leading to a significant fire that engulfed three apartments on the fifth floor. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries from this specific attack (Mezha).
These incidents illustrate the ongoing threat of airstrikes in the region, particularly affecting civilian infrastructure and residential areas.
Analysis
The claim that the airstrike on Kupyansk caused fires in residential apartments is supported by credible reports. The incident on June 13, 2023, explicitly states that a Russian aerial bomb struck a residential building, resulting in a fire that affected three apartments (Mezha). This aligns with the broader context of the conflict, where Russian forces have frequently targeted civilian areas, leading to casualties and property damage.
The reliability of the sources is high; the reports come from established news outlets and official statements from Ukrainian authorities, such as the State Emergency Service. However, it is important to note that while the June 13 incident is confirmed, the October 5 strike, which resulted in a higher death toll, did not specifically mention residential fires but did emphasize the civilian impact of the attack (Washington Post).
The context of the ongoing conflict and the nature of military operations in the region suggest that residential areas are at significant risk during such strikes, further validating the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The evidence supports the claim that the airstrike on Kupyansk caused fires in residential apartments, particularly referencing the incident on June 13, 2023. The ongoing military actions in the region have consistently led to civilian casualties and damage to residential infrastructure, reinforcing the validity of the claim.
Sources
- Strike in Ukraine's northeast Kharkiv region kills 51
- Russian Airstrike Causes Fire in Kupiansk Residential Building
- Russian guided bombs and rockets kill one, injure seven in ...
- War in Ukraine today: latest news, 16 June 2025 (photo)
- Digest of Russian Crimes in Ukraine – October to ...
- Documenting Russia's deadliest strikes against Ukrainian ...
- Ukrainian flag survives airstrike on fire station in Kupiansk ...
- Russia-Ukraine war updates for 18 Oct., 2023
