Russian ballistic missiles hit Ukraine’s Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyy: 3 civilians killed, 12 injured (updated)

Russian forces struck Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi in the Odesa Oblast with ballistic missiles on the afternoon of June 23, 2025, killing at least two civilians and injuring another 12, according to Head of Odesa Oblast Military Administration Oleh Kiper, the Ukrainian Air Force, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Kiper stated that Russian forces destroyed a local lyceum and that people, specifically adult teaching staff, may be trapped under the rubble. He noted that children were fortunately on holiday and not at school. Officials are working to deal with the aftermath and conduct search operations.

Collage by the Department of Education and Science of the Odesa Oblast State Administration

“As a result of the shelling of Lyceum No. 1 in Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyy, three employees were killed – worthy, sincere, hardworking people who daily shared the light of knowledge, care, experience, and love for their work,”  the statement of the department reads.

Among the deceased was the deputy director for educational work, Aurika Melnyk, 51,  who had worked in education for 30 years. The employee is survived by her children and husband.

Aurika’s colleagues noted that she “was distinguished by her strength of character, resilience, cheerfulness, and optimism throughout her life.”

Moreover, the deputy director for administrative and economic affairs, Oleh Herasymenko, 77, was killed in this attack. The man had previously participated in the clean-up efforts following the Chernobyl NPP disaster and had worked at the educational institution for the last 27 years.

In addition, Russians claimed the life of 60-year-old cafeteria worker Vira Roshchyna. The woman’s colleagues wrote that she will remain in their memory as “a model of sincerity, activity, and cheerfulness.”

ZMINA continues to report on the ongoing international crimes in the Odesa Oblast. 

By way of background, at least nine people were killed and several were injured in an overnight Russian missile and drone attack in the Kyiv Oblast.

Nearby, Ukraine urges the international community to unite to restore global security under the UN Charter and strengthen sanctions against Russia to enforce compliance with international law. Following Russia’s initial invasion in 2014, Ukraine has pursued the liberation of its territories within its internationally recognised 1991 borders while developing comprehensive reintegration strategies and policies for all liberated areas.

Meanwhile, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Péter Szijjártó, stated during a news conference  that his country and Slovakia have decided not to support the European Union’s proposed 18th package of sanctions against Russia.

“We did this because the European Union wants to prohibit member states, including Hungary and Slovakia, from buying cheap Russian natural gas and cheap Russian oil, as they did before,” Szijjártó said.

On June 18, Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, warned of Russia’s direct threat to the EU and urged the international community to continue supporting Ukraine.

Kallas pointed to numerous hybrid actions Russia conducts against EU countries: violations of airspace, military exercises near EU borders, attacks on infrastructure, recruitment of criminals for sabotage and more.

Kallas urged countries to swiftly adopt NATO’s new target of 5% of GDP for defense spending.

The EU’s chief diplomat also called Ukraine “Europe’s first line of defense”, stressing the importance of sanctions against Russia and the need for continued aid to Ukraine.

“We have to do more for Ukraine and our own security, too. To quote my friend, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte: ‘If we don’t help Ukraine further, we should all start learning Russian.’ The stronger Ukraine is on the battlefield today, the stronger they will be around the negotiation table when Russia finally is ready to talk,” Kallas was quoted by the Guardian as saying.

Kallas added that the stronger Ukraine is on the battlefield today, “the stronger they will be around the negotiation table when Russia finally is ready to talk.”