LONDON — Ukrainian officials reported that a significant assault by Russia resulted in the deaths of at least 16 individuals and left over 100 others injured during a large-scale drone and missile offensive that began on Wednesday and extended into Thursday morning.
According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia deployed nearly 700 drones, 19 ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles in the attack. Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted approximately 636 drones and a portion of the incoming missiles, though he lamented that not all were thwarted.
Officials confirmed that fatalities occurred in various regions, including Odesa, Kyiv, and Dnipro. Zelenskyy expressed his sorrow over the loss of life, including that of a 12-year-old boy, extending condolences to the bereaved families through a message on social media.
The majority of missile strikes were aimed at the capital city of Kyiv, although collateral damage and casualties were recorded in other parts of the nation. Zelenskyy noted that some projectiles penetrated Ukraine’s defenses, resulting in damage to residential buildings.
“This latest assault underscores that Russia should not receive any leniency in global policies or sanctions,” Zelenskyy asserted. “Their commitment is to warfare, and our response must be equally resolute: we must utilize all means necessary to safeguard lives while simultaneously applying pressure for a peaceful resolution.”
Antonio Costa, the President of the European Council, commented on Thursday that Russia’s attacks are aimed at instilling fear in civilians, particularly through strikes on residential areas. He affirmed that the European Union would intensify its efforts to hold Moscow accountable.
“Russia must cease this campaign of terror,” Costa stated. “It is imperative to establish a comprehensive, equitable, and lasting peace for Ukraine, grounded in the principles of the U.N. Charter and international law.”
In a related development, Russian officials reported that Ukraine retaliated with its own drone strikes targeting multiple locations within Russia. Moscow claimed its military intercepted over 200 drones, with at least one Ukrainian drone reportedly hitting a port along Russia’s Black Sea coast, as well as other coastal cities, according to local authorities.
