KYIV, Feb 1 (Reuters) - In a tragic incident on Saturday, a missile strike on a boarding school in Sudzha, located in Russia's Kursk region, resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals. Both Ukraine and Russia are accusing each other of responsibility for the attack, which occurred in an area currently held by Ukrainian forces. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the Russian attack, stating it targeted a facility where civilians were preparing for evacuation, leading to significant civilian injuries.

According to the Reuters, the Ukrainian military reported that four fatalities and dozens of injuries occurred during the strike, which they claim was initiated by a Russian aerial bomb. Zelenskyy expressed outrage, asserting, "They destroyed the building even though dozens of civilians were there." He likened this conduct to past Russian military actions in Chechnya and Syria.

Despite these claims, Russia's defense ministry has accused Ukraine of launching a missile strike that caused the tragic events in Sudzha. The local officials in Kursk are still assessing the impact, as around 84 people were rescued from the rubble, according to reports by BBC.

Adding to the growing tensions, on the same day, Russia conducted a series of drone and missile attacks across Ukraine, killing 15 individuals, including children, and damaging various residential areas and energy infrastructure. This response highlighted the ongoing and intensifying conflict between the two nations. Ukrainian officials noted the critical need for increased international support against what they describe as "Russian terror."The Guardian cites the continual aerial bombardments as a clear indicator of the widespread violence associated with this war.

Despite the heartbreaking news, the international community remains divided on these accusations. As President Zelenskyy urges the West for more assistance in defending against Russia, the situation continues to depict a grim reality of civilian lives caught in the crossfire.

For comprehensive coverage of the ongoing conflict, more information can be found in the detailed analyses from The Guardian.