Russia launched a significant drone and missile attack on Ukraine, resulting in three deaths and numerous injuries. This assault occurred overnight, as reported by President Volodymyr Zelensky. The attack caused damage to infrastructure and residential buildings across various parts of the country.
Zelensky stated that Russia fired approximately 580 drones and 40 missiles, targeting key infrastructure and civilian areas. Ukraine’s air defenses successfully intercepted 552 drones and 31 missiles, according to the air force.
In his remarks on the Telegram app, Zelensky condemned the attacks, saying they were not necessary for military strategy but rather aimed at instilling fear among civilians and destroying the nation’s infrastructure. Despite these claims, Russia denies that it targets civilians.
The attack was particularly severe in Dnipro, where a missile hit a residential building, killing one person and injuring at least 26 others. Additionally, two fatalities were reported in the Chernihiv and Khmelnytskyi regions.
Residents expressed their fear during the attacks. One woman from Kyiv recounted the terrifying moment she heard a drone approaching, emphasizing how unsettling it is to experience such violence in the modern age. She called for peace talks to end the conflict.
In the eastern part of Ukraine, fighting has intensified, with Russian forces making slow but steady advances, capturing more territory and devastating local communities. Russia has shifted its tactics, now launching swarms of drones in a single strike to hit cities further from the front lines. In response, Ukraine has been conducting its own drone strikes, targeting Russian refineries and logistics hubs.
Zelensky noted that as Ukraine increases its drone production, it could significantly impact Russia’s fuel supply. He mentioned that once the number of drones used by Ukraine matches that of Russia, it would lead to noticeable shortages in Russia.
Amidst these developments, Polish and allied aircraft were deployed to secure Polish airspace after some Russian strikes targeted areas near the border with Poland, a NATO member.
The ongoing conflict shows no signs of abating, as both sides continue to ramp up their military operations, causing further suffering for civilians caught in the crossfire.
