Russia Initiates Massive Drone Assault
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia launched the largest drone offensive to date against Ukraine, targeting key government buildings in Kyiv and other cities across the country.
The attacks, which involved 805 explosive drones and 13 cruise and ballistic missiles, were condemned by global leaders. Kaja Kallas, the European Union's foreign policy chief, described the strikes as a "clear escalation." Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, also condemned the attack on social media.
Ukrainian authorities reported at least one civilian death in Kyiv during the attack, and at least five people were killed across Ukraine. In Kremenchuk, a drone hit a bridge over the Dnieper, disrupting traffic. Smoke rose from the grand colonnaded building, an iconic monument of the city located near the parliament and the office of President Volodymyr Zelensky. Flames erupted from the Council of Ministers building in Kyiv, where firefighters were helicoptered in to extinguish the blaze.
The mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, stated that the debris of a drone shot down by the air defense systems appeared to have started the fire. Kyiv's government quarter is protected by an air defense network, but 9 missiles and nearly 60 drones evaded air defenses and hit their targets.
The president coordinating these attacks is reportedly Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko published photos of the damage showing a charred hallway, broken doors, and hanging electrical wires.
Other cities in Ukraine, including Kryvyi Rih, an industrial city in central-southern Ukraine, and Odessa, a Black Sea port city, also suffered damage. One person was killed and 17 others injured in Zaporizhzhia, while deaths were also reported in Sumy and Chernihiv, according to local authorities.
In response to the escalating violence, Donald Trump has stated he is ready to initiate a second phase of sanctions against Russia. Trump has criticized Putin for not concluding a ceasefire agreement.
These attacks come as Russia has intensified its drone attacks since last fall, almost monthly setting records for the number of weapons launched. The conflict in Ukraine, now in its eighth year, shows no signs of abating, with both sides continuing to exchange fire and escalate tensions.
Read also:
- Tobacco industry's suggested changes on a legislative modification are disregarded by health journalists
- Trump's Policies: Tariffs, AI, Surveillance, and Possible Martial Law
- Uncovering Political Ad Transparency: A Guide to Investigating opponent's Political Advertisements in the Digital Realm
- Elon Musk praises JD Vance's debate performance against Tim Walz
