The conflict between Ukraine and Russia took a devastating turn over the weekend, with at least 18 civilians reported killed in separate strikes. Ukrainian officials have blamed Russia for the attacks, which have left communities in shock and underscored the ongoing toll of the war.

On Saturday morning, a missile struck a residential building in Poltava, a Ukrainian city far from the front lines. The attack claimed the lives of at least 14 people, including two children. Videos from the scene show a portion of the building completely destroyed, with personal belongings scattered among the rubble.

Later that day, another strike hit a boarding school in Sudzha, a town in western Russia currently under Ukrainian control. Four people were killed in the incident, according to Ukrainian authorities. Both sides have pointed fingers at each other for the attack, with Russia accusing Ukraine of responsibility.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strikes, particularly the one in Sudzha, which he said targeted Russian civilians. In a social media post, he shared images of the destruction and described the aftermath as “heartbreaking.”

The attacks highlight the deepening human cost of the conflict as it nears its fourth year. With both sides trading accusations and independent verification difficult, the tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing devastation faced by civilians caught in the crossfire.