Russian strike kills 25 people in Ukraine amid Moscow preparation to annex territory: officials

At least 25 people were killed and 28 were wounded after a Russian strike targeted a convoy in Ukraine shortly before Moscow plans to annex four Russian-controlled Ukrainian regions.

Starukh posted pictures of bodies lying on the ground and destroyed vehicles in the wake of the attack, which was not immediately acknowledged by Russia.

The governor said the people in the convoy traveled to rescue their relatives from Russian-occupied territory. Moscow plans to officially annex four regions of Ukraine on Friday after holding a controversial referendum vote in the disputed areas.