Russia has initiated a devastating series of lethal assaults on Ukraine, causing significant damage to multiple major cities and resulting in a minimum of 11 fatalities. Vladimir Putin’s forces launched a total of 73 missiles and deployed 656 drones across Ukraine, primarily targeting Kyiv, Dnipro, and the eastern cities of Poltava, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia, according to authorities. This attack, one of Moscow’s most extensive offensives in recent months, left numerous individuals wounded, including several children.
Amid the impacted regions, air raid sirens blared, and Ukrainian air defense forces reported successfully neutralizing and intercepting 40 missiles and 602 drones. The assault followed Moscow’s warning of forthcoming “systematic strikes,” in retaliation for an alleged attack by Kyiv on a student residence in Eastern Ukraine that resulted in 21 fatalities the previous week.
Russia has attributed the latest devastating assault to Ukrainian “terrorist actions” within Russia and asserted that several Ukrainian military targets were also struck. The Russian defense ministry released a statement declaring, “In response to terrorist acts by the Kyiv regime, the armed forces of the Russian Federation conducted a massive strike employing high-precision long-range air, land, and sea-based weaponry.”
Today, distressing visuals depicted residential structures and businesses engulfed in flames as families and children navigated through debris outside their ruined homes across Ukraine. In Kyiv alone, at least four individuals perished, and 63 sustained injuries, including three children, as reported by Ukraine’s state emergency service. Approximately 140,000 residents in Kyiv were left without electricity subsequent to the attacks.
Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, revealed that a fire erupted at a nine-story apartment building due to flaming debris falling from a nearby structure hit by missiles. He recounted, “In the Obolon district, cars are ablaze from debris falling from missiles. Fires are also reported in two open areas, including one near a kindergarten.”
In the central Dnipropetrovsk region, a minimum of six individuals lost their lives, and 36 others were wounded following Russian strikes on Dnipro. Tragically, a second attack occurred after emergency responders arrived at the scene, resulting in the death of one rescuer.
In Kharkiv, at least 14 people sustained injuries, with residential properties, garages, and vehicles suffering damage. Some individuals became trapped under rubble as missiles and drone strikes demolished larger apartment buildings.
Among the affected individuals are Olena Dniprovska, 65, and her husband Yevhen, 64, who were injured in their Kyiv apartment during the onslaught. Olena recounted the harrowing experience, stating, “Now I have nowhere to live, the apartment is completely destroyed, no doors, no windows, no balcony. You can step straight from the room out onto the street.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a caution on Monday, alerting of a potential “massive” strike from Russia. Zelensky emphasized the readiness of Ukrainian defenders around the clock, equipped to the best of their abilities with available resources.
By selecting Daily Mirror as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News, you can swiftly access the news content you find valuable.
