Russia launched 165 drones in a large-scale attack on Ukraine from Saturday to Sunday, according to the country’s armed forces. The strikes targeted several regions, including Kyiv, where fires broke out, injuring eleven civilians, including two children. The attacks also caused significant damage in other regions like Cherkasy and Kharkiv, with emergency crews working to control the damage.
Drone Strikes Spark Fires in Kyiv:
In Kyiv, the drones sparked fires in Obolonskyi, Sviatoshynskyi, and Shevchenkivskyi districts. Eleven civilians, including two children, sustained injuries. The fires badly damaged buildings in Sviatoshynskyi, and the drones also toppled power lines in Shevchenkivskyi.
Firefighters, numbering 75, worked through the night to control the blazes. They eventually brought the situation under control, but the destruction caused power outages and widespread disruption.
Destruction in Central Ukraine:
Russian forces shelled the Cherkasy region, causing severe damage. The explosions shattered windows and destroyed parts of buildings. In total, two apartment buildings collapsed, and nearby warehouses and businesses were destroyed.
More than 100 rescuers, using 26 vehicles, helped victims and fought the fires. Crews worked tirelessly throughout the night to prevent further destruction.
Multiple Regions Hit by Russian Drones:
The drone attacks spread across Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Dnipropetrovsk regions. Ukrainian Air Forces intercepted 69 drones, mostly Shahed models, but lost contact with 80 others.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Defence Ministry released footage of the strikes. They claimed to have hit Ukrainian military positions in the Kherson region.
Russia’s Continued Attacks and Toll on Civilians:
The attacks on Kyiv and other cities have been part of Russia’s ongoing campaign to destabilize Ukraine. Russia’s government has claimed that their strikes target military infrastructure, but the civilian toll remains high. Many of the drones have damaged homes and vital infrastructure, displacing countless people and causing significant casualties.
Ukraine’s Response and Ongoing Conflict:
Ukraine continues to strengthen its air defenses. Despite intercepting many drones, it remains challenging to block every strike. Ukrainian authorities are working to rebuild and protect civilian infrastructure from further damage.
The drone strikes emphasize the ongoing instability in Ukraine. Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict, and international support for Ukraine’s defense systems grows more urgent each day.
Russia’s recent drone strikes on Ukraine highlight the ongoing conflict and the suffering it causes to civilians. Ukrainian forces have vowed to defend their territory, despite the ongoing threats. As the situation unfolds, the need for continued international support grows more urgent.