Russia launched more than 700 drones and missiles at Ukraine in multiple waves overnight, killing at least 18 people in what local officials said was the deadliest attack in months. Officials reported nine fatalities in the southern port city of Odesa, five in the central city of Dnipro, and four—including a child—in the capital, Kyiv.
In a retaliatory act, a Ukrainian drone strike claimed the lives of two individuals, including a child, in the southern Krasnodar region, according to Russian authorities.
This onslaught comes just after a brief ceasefire during the Orthodox Easter weekend, with both sides accusing each other of hundreds of violations. Over the course of the conflict, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has sought international military support amid increasing violence.
Early Thursday morning, residents in Kyiv were awoken by sirens and explosions, leading to major fires and significant destruction in central areas. Most notably, a drone strike resulted in the collapse of a 16-story residential building, prompting emergency rescue efforts that freed a mother and child from the ruins.
Local officials have indicated that at least 45 people sustained injuries during this latest wave of attacks, which have drawn condemnation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He called for increased sanctions against Russia and stressed the importance of protecting lives while pursuing peace.
While Ukraine's air defense successfully shot down many of the attacking drones and missiles, direct hits were recorded at dozens of locations across the nation. In light of the aggressive strategy by Russia, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha labeled the attacks as war crimes and urged allies to bolster support and pressure against Moscow.
In the wake of these events, the conflict—which has now stretched into its fifth year—is increasingly marked by urgent appeals for international assistance as Ukraine grapples with a critical shortage of effective air defense systems amidst ongoing assaults.
In a retaliatory act, a Ukrainian drone strike claimed the lives of two individuals, including a child, in the southern Krasnodar region, according to Russian authorities.
This onslaught comes just after a brief ceasefire during the Orthodox Easter weekend, with both sides accusing each other of hundreds of violations. Over the course of the conflict, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has sought international military support amid increasing violence.
Early Thursday morning, residents in Kyiv were awoken by sirens and explosions, leading to major fires and significant destruction in central areas. Most notably, a drone strike resulted in the collapse of a 16-story residential building, prompting emergency rescue efforts that freed a mother and child from the ruins.
Local officials have indicated that at least 45 people sustained injuries during this latest wave of attacks, which have drawn condemnation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He called for increased sanctions against Russia and stressed the importance of protecting lives while pursuing peace.
While Ukraine's air defense successfully shot down many of the attacking drones and missiles, direct hits were recorded at dozens of locations across the nation. In light of the aggressive strategy by Russia, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha labeled the attacks as war crimes and urged allies to bolster support and pressure against Moscow.
In the wake of these events, the conflict—which has now stretched into its fifth year—is increasingly marked by urgent appeals for international assistance as Ukraine grapples with a critical shortage of effective air defense systems amidst ongoing assaults.
