Russia Strikes Ukraine with Massive Drone Barrage, Killing 16
Ukrainian authorities reported that Russia launched one of its largest drone and missile attacks of the year, hitting multiple major cities including Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia. The barrage, which included 659 drones and 44 missiles, resulted in at least 16 deaths and over 100 injuries nationwide. The strikes caused severe damage to civilian infrastructure, including residential buildings and educational facilities. Ukrainian officials condemned the attacks as war crimes, noting that the violence occurred shortly after a brief ceasefire period. President Zelensky emphasized the need for continued international support and sanctions against Russia.
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Ukrainian authorities reported that Russia launched one of its largest drone and missile barrages of the year against Ukraine, resulting in at least 16 fatalities and over 100 injuries across the country.
Scale and Scope of Attacks
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia launched a massive wave of attacks over 24 hours leading up to Thursday morning. The barrage included:
Drones: 659 units.
Missiles: 44 missiles (including ballistic and cruise missiles).
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the strikes as a "massive terrorist attack," noting that the attacks primarily targeted civilian infrastructure.
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Impact on Major Cities
The strikes hit several major population centers, including the capital Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia, causing significant damage to civilian buildings and sparking multiple fires.
Kyiv: The State Emergency Service reported four deaths, including a 12-year-old boy found in the rubble of a destroyed building. At least 48 people were wounded. One incident involved a strike near a residential complex, injuring six workers.
Odesa: At least eight people were killed in the city. Reports indicated that a building was engulfed in fire, and an educational institution suffered damage, leading to the evacuation of students.
Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia: Local authorities reported three deaths and 34 injuries in Dnipro, while at least one person was killed in Zaporizhzhia.
Political and Diplomatic Response
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attacks, calling them "war crimes." He stated that the violence proves Russia does not deserve any easing of global policy or lifting of sanctions.
In a separate diplomatic move, Zelensky was in Rome, where he met with Italian leaders. He briefed Italian President Sergio Mattarella on Ukraine's security cooperation agreements and discussed defense cooperation with Italy's Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto.
