Russia has conducted significant overnight strikes targeting southern and central Ukraine, as reported by local authorities, while Ukraine responded by attacking Russian oil refineries. Ukrainian officials stated that one woman died and 30 others, including three children, were injured in the Zaporizhzhia region. President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that over 500 drones and 45 missiles were launched, impacting 14 regions nationwide. Subsequently, Russia’s defense ministry confirmed that all intended targets had been struck.
This escalation occurs amid ongoing international efforts to broker a peace agreement between the two countries and follows a recent series of aerial assaults, which resulted in at least 23 casualties. In Dnipropetrovsk, Governor Serhiy Lysak declared the area was “under massive attack,” advising residents to seek safety. Notably, this marks the second consecutive night of aggressive strikes in Dnipropetrovsk, where Russian military activity has increased.
Significant damage was reported to railway infrastructure near Kyiv, with central and southeastern Ukraine experiencing the most damage. Emergency services responded to fires in Zaporizhzhia, and explosions were reported in Dnipro and Pavlohrad.
In retaliation, Ukraine targeted oil refineries in Russia, specifically in Krasnodar and Syzran, where multiple explosions and fires were recorded. Russian officials acknowledged the drone strikes and reported damage to a processing unit, with no casualties. The Russian military also claimed to have intercepted 20 Ukrainian drones, with most shot down over Crimea.
Additionally, Russia announced the capture of a rural settlement in Donetsk, which Ukraine has not confirmed. As diplomatic efforts led by the U.S. to resolve the conflict continue, discussions in Denmark by European foreign affairs ministers include potential actions against Russian assets valued at approximately €210 billion. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas pointed out Russia’s reluctance to pursue peace, and France is expected to propose new sanctions aimed at undermining Russia’s war efforts.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g614x9kqko?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss