Key facts
- A Russian drone struck a zoo in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on June 15.
- The attack killed 10 rabbits and injured 15.
- An elephant housed in an adjacent enclosure suffered stress due to damage.
- The vivarium housing small animals, including 150 rabbits, 250 guinea pigs, 700 rats, and 250 mice, was damaged.
- Prosecutors have initiated a pre-trial investigation into the incident as a war crime.
- No human casualties were reported.
A Russian drone struck a zoo in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on June 15, resulting in the deaths of 10 rabbits and injuries to 15 others. The attack, which prosecutors are investigating as a war crime, also damaged enclosures and caused stress to an elephant housed nearby. The vivarium, which contained 150 rabbits, 250 guinea pigs, 700 rats, and 250 mice, sustained damage to its glazing and facade. No human casualties were reported. This incident follows previous Russian attacks on an eco park outside Kharkiv that resulted in bird deaths. Kharkiv, located close to the Russian border, has been a frequent target during the ongoing conflict.