On July 10, 2025, a Russian missile attack struck the Druzhba Hotel in Pokrovsk, Ukraine, igniting a deadly fire that killed nine and injured at least 82, including children and emergency responders. The facility, known as a hub for journalists and aid workers, suffered a direct hit in a suspected double strike that has drawn international condemnation and heightened concerns over deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure.

Russian Shelling Sparks Deadly Hotel Fire in Pokrovsk, Ukraine

POKROVSK, UKRAINE — July 10, 2025 A Russian missile strike has ignited a devastating fire at the Druzhba Hotel in Pokrovsk, a city in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, killing at least nine people and injuring dozens more. The attack, which occurred late Monday night, marks one of the deadliest assaults on civilian infrastructure in recent weeks and has drawn international condemnation.

Hotel Popular Among Journalists and Aid Workers

The Druzhba Hotel, one of the few operating facilities near the front lines, was well known as a hub for journalists, humanitarian workers, and military personnel. Witnesses reported that the building suffered a direct hit, with several floors collapsing in the blast. Photos shared by officials show the hotel engulfed in flames and reduced to rubble.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that 82 people were wounded in the strike, including two children. Emergency responders worked through the night to rescue survivors and contain the fire, which spread rapidly through the wood-framed structure.

Double Strike Raises Concerns of Targeting

Officials say the hotel was hit in a double missile strike, with the second blast occurring approximately 40 minutes after the first. This tactic, often used to target first responders, resulted in additional casualties among police officers and rescue workers. The Interior Ministry reported that 29 police officers and seven emergency personnel were injured in the second explosion.

Residents described scenes of chaos and destruction. One woman recounted how her windows shattered and flames filled her apartment. Another survivor said she was on the phone when the blast hit, leaving her with cuts and bruises.

International Outcry Over Civilian Targeting

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) condemned the attack, calling it a violation of international humanitarian law. The organizations emphasized that journalists and media workers must be treated as civilians and protected from military aggression.

“This is a deliberate attempt to silence the press and intimidate those reporting from conflict zones,” said IFJ Deputy General Secretary Tim Dawson. “Modern missiles can be targeted with precision. When facilities known to host journalists are repeatedly struck, the intention is clear.”

The Druzhba Hotel had previously hosted international media teams, including correspondents from the BBC. No journalists were reported injured in this particular strike, but the incident has reignited fears about the safety of media personnel operating in eastern Ukraine.

Broader Impact on Pokrovsk

Pokrovsk, located roughly 45 miles southwest of Bakhmut, has been under increasing pressure from Russian forces. The city’s strategic location as a supply hub and its proximity to the front lines make it a frequent target. Monday’s attack also damaged nearby apartment buildings, displacing dozens of residents and further straining local emergency services.

The strike follows a pattern of recent attacks on civilian areas, including a June missile strike on a pizza restaurant in Kramatorsk that killed 11 people, among them Ukrainian writer Victoria Amelina.

Conclusion: A City Under Siege

As Pokrovsk reels from the latest assault, Ukrainian officials continue to call for stronger international support and accountability for what they describe as war crimes. The fire at the Druzhba Hotel is more than a tragic incident—it’s a symbol of the escalating danger faced by civilians and those working to document the conflict.

With rescue operations complete and investigations underway, the people of Pokrovsk are left to mourn, rebuild, and brace for what may come next