Overnight attacks by Russian forces on Ukraine resulted in injuries to at least 12 individuals, including two children, according to local authorities. This latest wave of strikes has renewed Kyiv’s urgent appeals for enhanced air defense systems.
Since the onset of Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Ukrainian towns and cities have faced near-daily bombardments, as the Russian military continues to launch extensive drone and missile attacks targeting both military installations and civilian areas. Diplomatic efforts to end the war have reached an impasse, with Ukrainian officials accusing Moscow of deliberately prolonging the conflict.
In the recent assault, the Russian military reportedly deployed 477 drones and 60 missiles of various types. The Ukrainian Air Force noted that it successfully intercepted 475 of the drones and 39 of the missiles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s refusal to seek peace, stating that it is clear Putin has committed to the ongoing war.
Zelensky reiterated his country’s need for stronger air defense measures, specifically referencing the acquisition of US-made Patriot anti-missile systems. He emphasized that bolstering air defense is crucial for protecting lives in Ukraine. However, despite the ongoing conflict and appeals for support, US President Donald Trump has not publicly responded to these requests.
In the Cherkasy region, the strikes resulted in injuries to 11 people, while further west in the Ivano-Frankivsk region, a woman was hospitalized following a similar attack. Additionally, a fighter pilot lost his life when his F-16 jet sustained damage during a mission to intercept Russian projectiles, according to an air force statement.
Tragically, a drone strike in the Kharkiv region claimed the life of a 60-year-old man as it struck his vehicle during the attacks. This area is currently witnessing escalated military action from Russian forces. In its defense, the Russian military claimed it had captured new territory in the eastern Donetsk region during the latest operations, asserting that it targeted Ukrainian military-industrial complex sites and oil refineries while intercepting three Ukrainian drones.
Adding to the diplomatic landscape, Russia’s spy chief, Sergei Naryshkin, revealed he had a conversation with CIA Director John Ratcliffe, stating that they agreed to maintain open lines of communication to discuss matters of mutual interest, although he did not disclose specific topics covered during their discussion.
