Russia intensifies attacks on Ukraine, killing at least 4 in latest wave

Russia has launched another intense wave of drone and missile strikes on Ukraine, resulting in at least four deaths and numerous injuries, according to Ukrainian authorities.

This latest barrage follows one of the largest aerial assaults by Russia in recent months, which targeted energy infrastructure and caused multiple fatalities.

The Ukrainian air force reported that it successfully intercepted half of the 10 missiles and 60 out of 81 Iranian-designed attack drones launched from various regions in Russia and occupied Crimea.

Despite these efforts, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on social media that the attacks resulted in four deaths and 16 injuries. He pledged a robust response, emphasizing that “crimes against humanity cannot be committed with impunity.”

The night was marked by frequent air raid sirens and explosions in Kyiv, likely from air defense systems. Local authorities reported that two people were killed in the Zaporizhzhia region and two in Kryvyi Rig, where a missile struck a hotel.

This hotel attack is particularly poignant as it follows a recent incident in Kramatorsk, where a Reuters team was targeted, resulting in the death of a safety advisor.

The attacks have led to widespread blackouts across Ukraine, prompting criticism from Ukraine’s European and American allies. Russia claims the strikes targeted military-related infrastructure. NATO member Poland reported a violation of its airspace, likely by a drone.

In response to the attacks, Ukraine’s power grid operator Ukrenergo announced emergency blackouts to ease the strain on the damaged infrastructure.

The power system is recovering from multiple large-scale Russian attacks, with ongoing repairs and a call for reduced electricity consumption from citizens.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces are engaged in an unexpected offensive in Russia’s Kursk region, gaining significant territory in recent weeks.

The governor of Belgorod, bordering Kursk, confirmed reports of Ukrainian attempts to breach the border. Despite this, Russian forces continue their advances, particularly around the Donetsk region, where they have captured the village of Orlivka near the strategic hub of Pokrovsk.

As civilians evacuate Pokrovsk, which once housed around 60,000 residents, the situation remains dire with ongoing clashes and heavy losses on both sides.

(AFP)