In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia launched a widespread assault on Ukraine, firing 40 missiles and deploying approximately 580 drones, leading to tragic consequences that included the deaths of three individuals and injuries to dozens. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described this attack as one of the largest in recent weeks, emphasizing the intensity and scale of Russia’s military operations.
Reports indicate that among the most devastating incidents was a missile strike that directly hit an apartment building in the eastern city of Dnipro. Zelensky took to social media to highlight the alarming situation, revealing that the assault comprised a mix of cruise and ballistic missiles, alongside the extensive use of drones. “As of now, we know of dozens of people injured from the shelling,” he stated, expressing concern for the casualties.
Local officials confirmed the impact of the strikes. In the Dnipropetrovsk region, where the missile attack occurred, Sergiy Lysak, head of the military administration, reported that one person was killed and 26 others were wounded, with one individual in serious condition. In a separate incident in the Chernigiv region, a drone attack claimed the life of a 62-year-old man. The nationwide air alert issued by Ukrainian authorities underscored the gravity of the situation, with strikes reported around the capital city of Kyiv.
The Khmelnytskyi region also faced significant damage, where around 20 residential buildings were affected. Local official Sergiy Tyurin mentioned recovery efforts, including the discovery of a body in the aftermath of a fire triggered by the attacks.
In a counter-narrative, Russian officials claimed that their forces had defended against what they characterized as “massive” Ukrainian attacks in the Volgograd and Rostov regions, reporting one injury in Saratov. The Russian defense ministry announced that their air defense systems had intercepted and destroyed 149 Ukrainian drones during the overnight bombardment.
Meanwhile, Russia’s military campaign persistently targets eastern Ukraine, with forces attempting to secure control over the Donetsk and Lugansk regions. Efforts aimed at brokering peace have struggled to gain traction, a situation exacerbated by recent engagements between US officials and both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Zelensky that failed to yield a truce.
Compounding regional tensions, Estonia reported a violation of its airspace by three Russian air force planes, prompting concerns among EU and NATO allies. This incident arrives amid rising worries after Poland alleged that around 20 Russian drones had traversed its territory, although the Kremlin disputed those claims. In response to the escalating situation, the UK, Germany, and France have announced plans to bolster their air patrols along NATO’s eastern flank, highlighting the ever-present threat posed by Russian military actions.
