On March 24, 2025, the ongoing conflict in the Kherson region of Ukraine escalated as Ukrainian armed forces launched 57 artillery strikes on various settlements, leading to multiple civilian casualties. According to reports from the regional governor, Vladimir Saldo, three individuals were injured due to these attacks, which targeted residential areas in cities including Aleshki and Novaia Kakhovka.
The artillery shelling was particularly intense throughout the day, with a total of 37 shells fired from heavy artillery directed at towns such as Gornostaevka, where three projectiles landed; Velikaia Lepetikha, which suffered the brunt of the barrage with ten strikes; and notable incidents in Zavodovka (two shells), Malaia Lepetikha (three), Kairy (two), Kakhovka (three), Dnepryany (three), Aleshki (six), and Novaia Kakhovka (five). Saldo mentioned that the injuries suffered by civilians were grave, with one man born in 1955 requiring hospitalization for mine-blast injuries and shrapnel wounds to his neck and hip.
"In the Kherson region, three people were injured in the past day due to shelling by the Ukrainian Armed Forces," stated Governor Saldo, underscoring the humanitarian toll of the conflict. Alongside reporting of injuries, the shelling also led to significant damage; a residential building in Radensk caught fire due to strikes, resulting in the complete destruction of the structure and surrounding outbuildings. Fortunately, no casualties were reported from this particular incident.
As the day progressed, the situation worsened for residents of the affected areas. Reports indicated that overnight shelling continued, with an additional 20 projectiles recorded in the regions of Kozachi Lageri, Sagi, Aleshki, Golaia Pristan, and Peschanovka, raising concerns over the safety of civilians.
In the wake of these violent escalations, the Russian Investigative Committee announced it would launch an inquiry into the actions of the Ukrainian forces in the Aleshki area. The investigation aims to uncover the facts surrounding the artillery strikes and hold accountable those responsible for the injuries inflicted on civilians. "The Investigative Committee will establish all circumstances of the incident and the circle of people involved in the crime," a representative stated, emphasizing the seriousness with which these claims of illegal military action will be processed.
From the civilian reports amidst these conflicts, the situation appears dire. In addition to the already reported injuries, civilians have suffered from psychological distress as a result of the constant bombardment. The priority for emergency services remains to tend to the wounded; all injured individuals were taken to local hospitals for urgent medical attention.
Local media sources have noted an uptick in the frequency of illegal actions attributed to the Ukrainian armed forces, echoing concerns about indiscriminate shelling in civilian-populated areas. Earlier in the week, there were claims that this surge in hostilities correlates with ongoing discussions about potential peace negotiations. Meanwhile, human rights advocates have decried the escalating violence, calling for immediate action to safeguard civilians.
The broader implications of these artillery strikes and retaliatory actions remind observers that the peace process remains precarious. In the face of military operations characterized by the suffering of civilians, the international community watches closely. Efforts to mediate the conflict may bear fruit, but with ongoing hostilities, the path to lasting peace seems fraught with challenges.
As the situation develops in the Kherson area, the local populace faces uncertainty and fear, punctuated by the alarming frequency of shelling. Tragically, representatives on both sides have observed that the conflict continues to disregard escalations in humanitarian needs, resulting in despair for those caught in the crossfire. The international response will be critical in addressing the fallout from these hostilities and preserving the welfare of innocent civilians.
