Russia launched 165 drones at Ukraine between Saturday night and Sunday morning. This large-scale attack affected many areas, causing serious damage. Ukraine’s armed forces confirmed the strikes and reported widespread destruction.
Fires and Injuries in Kyiv
Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, was heavily targeted by the drone strikes. In several districts, including Obolonskyi, Sviatoshynskyi, and Shevchenkivskyi, fires broke out. These fires injured at least 11 people, including two children. The fires damaged many buildings and infrastructure.
In Sviatoshynskyi, flames destroyed several residential buildings. The fire also spread to nearby areas, causing heavy damage. In Shevchenkivskyi, roads and electrical systems were affected by the fires. Emergency responders acted quickly. Over 75 firefighters worked to put out the fires. They managed to extinguish all the blazes, but the damage was already severe.
Destruction in Other Regions
The drone attacks didn’t just target Kyiv. Southern and eastern Ukraine also suffered heavy damage. In Cherkasy, a central Ukrainian city, explosions shattered windows and damaged buildings. Several fires broke out in warehouses and other structures. These fires also damaged garden structures and homes. Over 100 emergency workers responded to the situation, securing both residential and commercial areas. Ten apartments were damaged, and two were completely destroyed.
Ukrainian Defenses Respond to Attacks
Ukrainian air defense systems responded to the drone attacks. The Ukrainian armed forces reported that they shot down 69 Shahed drones and other targets. However, radar contact was lost with 80 of the drones. These drones were able to strike their targets before they could be stopped.
In Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Dnipropetrovsk, Ukrainian forces worked hard to defend against the attack. The drones caused damage in these areas, but air defense teams managed to stop many of them.
Russian Claims of Strikes in Kherson
Russia’s Ministry of Defense released footage claiming to show Russian troops attacking Ukrainian positions in the southern Kherson region. This footage shows artillery firing on Ukrainian targets. However, these claims have not been verified by independent sources.
Global Concern Over Civilian Safety
The scale of the attack has raised concerns worldwide. Human rights groups are warning that the targeting of civilian areas in Kyiv and other cities is putting many lives at risk. The attacks have led to widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and essential services.
The United Nations has called for an immediate end to attacks on civilian areas. The international community continues to express concern about the safety of Ukrainians caught in the conflict.
Ukrainian Forces Remain Resilient
Despite the ongoing assault, Ukrainian forces have shown resilience. However, the growing number of attacks is putting pressure on both the military and civilians. The Ukrainian government continues to call for more advanced air defense systems to help protect against future drone strikes.
International Aid and Support for Ukraine
Ukraine continues to receive support from Western countries, including the United States and European Union. This support includes military aid and air defense systems, which are critical in defending against aerial attacks. Ukrainian leadership has vowed to continue its fight for sovereignty and stability.
The war shows no signs of ending soon. The attacks are taking a heavy toll on Ukraine’s infrastructure and economy. Ukrainian leaders continue to seek more help from international partners as they face these ongoing challenges.
The Ongoing Conflict
As the war continues, both sides remain determined to reach their goals. Russia’s ongoing use of drone strikes is part of a broader strategy to weaken Ukraine. For Ukraine, defending against these attacks is a top priority. The country’s leadership is committed to defending its people and restoring stability.