The Vinnytsia Missile Strike: Russia’s kill 27 Civilians

July 15, 2022November 22, 2025

The Vinnytsia Missile Strike happened on July 14, 2022, at 10:45 AM Kyiv time. It was a typical Thursday morning in the heart of Ukraine. People went about their daily routines — visiting medical centers, running errands, spending time with children. Nobody expected what would come next.

A Russian submarine in the Black Sea launched seven “Kalibr” cruise missiles toward the city center. Ukrainian air defense forces managed to shoot down four missiles, preventing even greater catastrophe. But three missiles broke through and hit virtually the city center. Residential high-rises suffered massive damage, as did the “Yuvileinyi” House of Culture, maternity and medical centers. The missiles struck a concert hall and a parking lot near the House of Culture, where families had gathered.

27 Dead, Including Three Children

As a result of this terrorist act, 27 civilians died, including three children. The most well-known child is 4-year-old Liza Dmytrieva, whose photo flew around all world media. The image of the little girl in a purple jacket, captured just hours before her death, became a symbol of russia’s war against Ukrainian civilians. Liza had Down syndrome and was walking with her mother Iryna to a speech therapist appointment. The child died at the scene, while her mother survived with severe injuries.

Also among the murdered children was 7-year-old Maksym Zharii, who at that time was undergoing examination at the medical center. The boy had come with his mother for a routine medical checkup. Maksym died together with his mother Nataliia in the ruins of the medical facility. They had no chance to escape.

Another murdered child — 8-year-old Kyrylo Piakhin, who was waiting for his uncle in a car in the parking lot. The boy sat in the vehicle, probably playing with his phone or looking forward to spending time with family. The missile strike turned the parking lot into an inferno. Kyrylo’s small body was identified later among the wreckage.

Over 200 people were wounded in the attack, many suffering severe burns and shrapnel injuries. Eight people are currently considered missing, their fate unknown. Some bodies were so badly damaged by the explosions and fire that identification became impossible.

The Symbolism of Timing

The timing of the Vinnytsia Missile Strike carries dark symbolism. The attack happened during a conference in The Hague regarding holding Russia accountable for war crimes. While international lawyers discussed mechanisms for justice, Russian missiles were already flying toward Ukrainian civilians. This once again demonstrates that russia disregards international law completely and will continue committing war crimes regardless of international community discussions.

The strike on Vinnytsia wasn’t a mistake or “collateral damage”. The city center, full of civilians on a summer morning, was deliberately targeted. This is the definition of terrorism — using violence against civilians to achieve political goals. The Vinnytsia Missile Strike remains one of the deadliest single attacks on Ukrainian civilians during the full-scale invasion.