Mom and Baby Killed in Russian Drone Strike at Ukrainian Park

An elementary school teacher and her infant daughter were killed in a Russian drone strike at a park in Nova Vodolaha, in Ukraine's eastern Kharkiv region. Inna Mariukhna and her 1-year-old daughter, Angelina, were among six people who died in the attack. A previous image had shown the baby dead in her stroller.

The school where Inna Mariukhna taught released a statement expressing profound sorrow. "It is with deep sorrow and unspeakable grief that the staff of Novovodolazskyi Lyceum No. 1 mourn the tragic deaths of primary school teacher Inna Mariukhna and her daughter Angelina," the statement read. "No words can convey the despair caused by this irreparable loss. It is hard to believe that two lives have been cut short, and that dreams and hopes which were yet to be realised and flourish have been extinguished."

The school described Mariukhna as a "wonderful teacher who opened up the world of knowledge to little ones, taught them their first steps in life, and gave the children all the warmth of her heart." They also shared an image of the mother and daughter smiling together.

Angelina died in her stroller during the strike, reportedly carried out by a Russian "Shahed" drone. Her mother was taken to a hospital but succumbed to her injuries. The park was reportedly filled with families and children at the time of the attack.

In addition to the mother and daughter, an 11-year-old girl and three women were killed. Another 15 people were injured, including seven children. Tuesday was declared a day of mourning in Nova Vodolaha.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared images from the aftermath, calling the attack a "pure atrocity." He stated, "These are horrific photos, but behind them are shattered lives and the truth about this war." Zelensky also appealed for continued sanctions against Russia and for increased support from the United States.