Moscow – Russia launched a significant overnight attack on Ukraine, targeting military installations, which resulted in four civilian fatalities, including a 12-year-old girl, along with several others injured, reports 24brussels.
The Russian Ministry of Defence confirmed that the offensive involved “hundreds” of drones and missiles and primarily hit Kyiv and surrounding regions including Zaporizhzhia, Khmelnytskyi, Sumy, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv, and Odesa. This coordinated strike has left at least ten individuals wounded as well.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the assault, describing it as a “vile” act. He noted that approximately 500 drones and 40 missiles were utilized during the attack. “Russia launched another massive air attack on Ukrainian cities while people were sleeping,” stated Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, emphasizing the toll on residential areas and civilian safety.
Damage reports indicated that critical civilian infrastructure, including residential buildings and industrial sites such as a rubber factory, were heavily impacted. An air raid alert was issued in the Kyiv region in response to the ongoing threats.
How did Zelensky describe the scale of Russian strikes?
Zelensky detailed the severe impact of the attacks, noting that they specifically targeted urban areas. He remarked on the extensive damage inflicted upon civilian infrastructure during the bombing raids.
Why did Poland scramble fighter jets after Russian strikes?
The attack prompted immediate military responses from neighbouring Poland, which scrambled fighter jets early Sunday morning as part of defensive measures. This action was taken to secure Polish airspace in light of the threats posed by the strikes in western Ukraine. Poland’s military activated ground-based air defence systems to protect its citizens, particularly in regions bordering Ukraine.
This latest escalation underscores ongoing tensions in the region as Ukraine continues to defend its sovereignty against external aggression while seeking support from allies. Furthermore, the implications of such attacks on regional security and international relations remain significant.