At least three people have died following significant air strikes carried out by Russia across Ukraine, impacting various regions, including Dnipropetrovsk and Odesa. President Zelensky has highlighted the ongoing challenge of air defenses as both military and civilian targets endure severe damage.
Renewed Russian Air Strikes Claim Lives and Cause Destruction Across Ukraine
Renewed Russian Air Strikes Claim Lives and Cause Destruction Across Ukraine
A recent round of air attacks from Russia has left multiple casualties and widespread damage, igniting fires in residential buildings and critical infrastructure.
Buildings across Ukraine were engulfed in flames as Russia launched another extensive air assault, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals. In the eastern Dnipropetrovsk region, two fatalities were reported by regional governor, Sergiy Lysak, while a woman succumbed to her injuries after being rescued from an apartment blaze in Odesa, according to emergency services.
President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that the overnight attacks affected ten regions, including major cities, with the military stating that over 340 explosive drones, as well as 35 cruise and ballistic missiles, were deployed. While Ukrainian defenses managed to intercept around 90% of these threats, more than 30 penetrated their lines.
The southern city of Odesa experienced significant destruction when one of the strikes targeted a residential block, leading to fires on upper floors. Emergency responders rescued five individuals from the burning apartments, including the woman who later died, in addition to reports of at least six injuries.
The eastern city of Pavlohrad faced what Lysak called a "hellish night and morning," with a barrage of drone and missile strikes that marked the most extensive assault the city has endured thus far. Among the damaged sites were industrial facilities, a fire department, a school, and a cultural institution, with Zelensky confirming that important infrastructure was affected.
In northeast Ukraine, the city of Sumy also encountered attacks, leading to damage of essential infrastructure and resulting in power outages for thousands. Shostka, situated close to the Russian border, was struck by precision munitions causing significant fires, though officials did not disclose specific targets.
With escalating damage and casualties, Zelensky reiterated the urgent need for fortified air defenses, calling for both international support and local production of interceptors. Recent moves by the Trump administration aim to enhance weapons supplies, albeit at the cost of some aid potentially being financed by other NATO allies.
As these attacks continue, Russia claimed to have intercepted more than 70 Ukrainian drones, particularly over Rostov, Moscow, and Bryansk regions, while officials reported damage and injuries caused by debris from falling missiles.
On the battlefield, Russian forces remain focused on the town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk, with Ukraine's commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, acknowledging increasing pressure while maintaining steadfast defense against encroaching assaults, particularly from small reconnaissance and sabotage units that Russia is deploying in its quest to encircle the town.
