Mykolaiv strikes (2022–present)

The Mykolaiv strikes (2022–present) refer to a series of military attacks, primarily missile and artillery strikes, conducted against the city of Mykolaiv and the surrounding Mykolaiv Oblast in southern Ukraine during the Russo-Ukrainian War. These attacks escalated significantly following the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and have continued, albeit with varying intensity, since.

Mykolaiv, a strategically important port city and shipbuilding center, has been a key target for Russian forces due to its location near the Black Sea coast and its role in controlling access to Odesa. The strikes have aimed to degrade Ukrainian military infrastructure, disrupt supply lines, and demoralize the local population.

The nature of the strikes has ranged from precision-guided missile attacks on military installations and critical infrastructure to indiscriminate shelling of residential areas. The consequences have included widespread destruction, civilian casualties, displacement of residents, and disruption of essential services like water, electricity, and gas.

Sources of information on these strikes include reports from Ukrainian government officials, international organizations, independent media outlets, and human rights groups. Documenting the precise number of casualties and the full extent of the damage remains a challenge due to the ongoing conflict and restricted access to certain areas.

The Mykolaiv strikes are considered by many international observers and organizations to be potential war crimes due to the targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure. The International Criminal Court is currently investigating alleged war crimes committed in Ukraine, including attacks on Mykolaiv.

The ongoing conflict has significantly impacted the lives of residents, with many fleeing the city to seek refuge elsewhere in Ukraine or abroad. The future of Mykolaiv and the potential for further attacks remain uncertain as the war continues.