At least 10 killed, over 70 injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine in past 24 hours, Kyiv says
At least 10 killed, over 70 injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine in past 24 hours, Kyiv says
At least 10 killed over 70 injured – Ukrainian officials reported significant casualties in the latest wave of Russian strikes, with at least 10 people killed and over 70 others injured across multiple cities in the country. The attacks, which spanned the past 24 hours, targeted key locations in both eastern and southern regions, escalating tensions as the conflict enters its third year. Kyiv confirmed the deaths and injuries, citing a coordinated effort by Russian forces to disrupt Ukrainian infrastructure and civilian life.
Missile Barrage Hits Southern Ukraine
At dawn on Sunday, a ballistic missile launched by Russia struck the southern Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv, causing immediate damage. Local authorities at the scene indicated that at least five individuals were wounded, including three men and two women. These victims were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment, though the extent of their injuries remains under investigation. This incident marks another assault in a pattern of strikes targeting over 10 cities, with Mykolaiv being one of the latest points of focus.
According to the Kremlin’s military campaign, the attacks over the past 24 hours have resulted in at least 10 fatalities and over 70 injuries. Ukraine’s Air Force stated that the assault involved hundreds of drones and missiles, launched from Moscow. The force claimed to have detected 268 drones entering Ukrainian airspace on Saturday, with 249 intercepted by defensive systems. Despite the high number of drones, at least 19 struck their intended targets, along with one ballistic missile. These attacks were distributed across 15 different locations, underscoring the scale and strategic intent behind the operation.
Eastern Front Targets in Donetsk
Two casualties were reported in Dobropillia and Mykolaivka within the Donetsk region of the eastern Donbas area. Regional Governor Vadym Filashkin confirmed the deaths, stating that these areas have been subjected to separate attacks, which have collectively injured nine others. The Donbas region, often described as the most active frontline in the war, has become a focal point for Russian military efforts. These strikes have intensified as both sides continue to contest control of the region, with its strategic position offering access to key supply routes.
Meanwhile, attacks in the southern Zaporizhzhia region also caused casualties. Two people were killed, while five others sustained injuries, including a child. The Zaporizhzhia area has seen frequent targeting, with Ukrainian forces accused of launching a barrage of strikes to weaken Russian operations. The region’s proximity to the front lines and its role as a critical transport hub have made it a target of interest for both sides. Ukrainian officials have expressed concern over the humanitarian impact of such strikes, particularly on residential neighborhoods.
Kherson Region Suffers Casualties
In the Kherson region, three individuals were killed as Russian forces launched attacks on residential areas across 39 settlements. These strikes have targeted civilian infrastructure, with Kyiv describing the region as a strategic point for Moscow’s operations. The city of Kherson has been under constant bombardment, reflecting its importance as a logistical and military center for Russian supply lines. The attacks have left local residents in a state of alert, with many displaced or forced to seek shelter.
Officials from the Ukrainian military have emphasized the growing sophistication of Russian attacks, which now include a combination of drones, missiles, and coordinated strikes on multiple fronts. The use of Iranian-made Shahed strike UAVs has been noted in several incidents, highlighting the involvement of international allies in supporting Russian military capabilities. These drones, known for their precision and cost-effectiveness, have been deployed in large numbers to saturate Ukrainian airspace and overwhelm defensive systems.
Ukraine Targets Russian Oil Infrastructure
As Russian forces continue their assaults, Ukraine has shifted focus to disrupting Moscow’s oil supply chain. The country’s military announced a new operation targeting oil vessels, believed to be part of the Kremlin’s shadow fleet used to evade sanctions. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the significance of these strikes, stating in a post on X: “These tankers had been actively used to transport oil – not anymore.”
“Ukraine’s long-range capabilities will continue to be developed comprehensively – at sea, in the air, and on land. Glory to Ukraine!”
According to Kyiv, the attack on the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk marked a key moment in the campaign against Russian oil infrastructure. The port, which has been a recurring target for Ukrainian forces, is now considered a central base for Moscow following repeated strikes on the annexed Crimean Peninsula. Ukrainian officials argue that Novorossiysk has become a critical hub for the Kremlin’s military and logistical operations, making it a prime objective for counterstrikes.
The strategic importance of Novorossiysk lies in its role as a key link between Russian oil reserves and European markets. By targeting this port, Ukraine aims to weaken Russia’s economic leverage and reduce its ability to sustain operations in the war. The area has seen a surge in attacks, with Ukrainian forces reporting frequent strikes on oil storage facilities and transport networks. These operations have been described as part of a broader effort to cripple Russia’s supply lines and force it into a more precarious position.
Regional Impact and Ongoing Conflict
The cumulative effect of these attacks has left Ukrainian cities in a state of alert, with residents bracing for further waves of bombardment. The military has warned of increased activity in the eastern and southern regions, where infrastructure and civilian populations are particularly vulnerable. In addition to the immediate toll of casualties, the attacks have caused widespread disruption to daily life, with schools, hospitals, and residential areas frequently hit.
Despite the scale of the assaults, Ukraine has maintained its resilience, with military forces continuing to adapt their strategies. The use of drones and missiles has been complemented by ground operations, as Ukrainian forces target refineries and depots in an effort to cripple Russian oil production. The shadow fleet, suspected of transporting oil without detection, has become a major focus of these efforts, with Kyiv vowing to neutralize its threat.
As the war enters its third year, the pattern of attacks reflects a broader strategy of attrition, aimed at both depleting Ukrainian resources and testing the limits of its defensive capabilities. The southern and eastern regions, in particular, have been targeted with increasing frequency, as Russian forces seek to establish dominance along key supply routes. The humanitarian toll continues to rise, with Ukrainian officials calling for international support to mitigate the impact of these strikes on civilians.
