On June 27, 2023, the Russian army launched a missile strike on the central part of the city of Kramatorsk in Donetsk region. The main target of the strike was the café-pizzeria "RIA PIZZA," a well-known meeting place for volunteers, journalists, and local residents. At the time of the strike, there were many people present.
The missile strike was carried out at approximately 19:30 with an "Iskander" missile.
Thirteen people were killed: seven café workers, the youngest being Valeria and Yevhenia, both 17 years old. The oldest, the establishment's administrator Arthur Titorek, was 28 years old. Also among the dead were 14-year-old sisters Anna and Yulia Aksenchenko. As a result of the injuries sustained from this attack, writer, human rights activist, and organizer of a literary festival in New York in Donetsk region, Victoria Amelina, was killed.
Sixty-four people were injured, including an 8-month-old baby.
This strike became one of the most resonant terrorist attacks against the civilian population in Donetsk region.
This crime once again demonstrated the targeted aggression of the Russian Federation against the peaceful population, left a deep mark in the hearts of Kramatorsk residents and all of Ukraine, united Ukrainian society in the demand for just punishment for the guilty, and became a symbol of the fragility of life in a frontline city, where in a matter of minutes a peaceful dinner can turn into a tragedy.
Kramatorsk resident Volodymyr Synelnyk was sentenced to life imprisonment for directing the Russian missile strike on the café "RIA PIZZA" on June 27, 2023.
A red ceramic plate with the imprint of a child's hand, found under the rubble, became a symbol of this tragedy — a reminder that war always strikes the most vulnerable.