Ukraine’s capital city, Kyiv, and surrounding regions faced a relentless barrage of Russian drones overnight, sparking widespread destruction and loss of life.
The hours-long assault, which continued into the afternoon, sent shockwaves throughout the nation.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the attacks resulted in significant damage and casualties across multiple districts of Kyiv and other regions, including Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih, Khmelnytskyi, Vinnytsia, Odesa, Dnipro, Kremenchuk, Kropyvnytskyi, and Lviv.
In Kyiv, several districts suffered from power outages and water supply issues, while explosions were heard throughout Kharkiv, resulting in one fatality in Izium Raion. A 69-year-old man was also killed in Russian attacks in Dnipropetrovsk, and widespread power outages were reported in Lviv.
The Ukrainian Air Force stated that it detected 127 missiles and 109 drones launched by Russia, with air defense systems intercepting 102 missiles and 99 drones. President Zelenskyy reported that over 100 drones and over 100 missiles were used in the attacks.
“This is a clear act of aggression by Russia, aimed at intimidating and harming innocent civilians,” President Zelenskyy said in a statement. “We will not be deterred by these cowardly attacks and will continue to defend our nation and its people.”
International leaders have condemned the attacks, with the European Union’s High Representative, Josep Borrell, urging EU member states to lift restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Western long-range weapons.
The United States has also pledged support for Ukraine, with a spokesperson for the US Department of State stating, “We stand with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression and will continue to provide military and humanitarian aid to support their defense.”
As the conflict escalates, concerns are growing about the humanitarian impact on civilians. The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilians.
The attacks come amid ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with diplomatic efforts stalled. The international community is urging restraint and a return to negotiations.
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