Massive Russian Drone And Missile Strikes Claim Lives In Ukraine/ Image@ BBC
At least four individuals have lost their lives, and dozens, including children, have sustained injuries following a significant wave of drone and missile attacks launched by Russia against Ukraine overnight, according to official reports.
Three of the deceased were recovered from the debris of a partially collapsed apartment building in Kyiv, where rescue operations are ongoing after the capital experienced heavy bombardment.
The city’s mayor reported that at least 44 people were hurt, including two minors, with 21 individuals currently receiving medical treatment in hospitals, one of whom is a child.
The incident marks the third consecutive day of reported fatalities in Ukraine, as Moscow intensifies its offensive following the expiration of a three-day ceasefire on Monday.
Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, stated that over 670 drones and 56 missiles were deployed across the nation in the overnight assault, making it one of the most extensive attacks Russia has executed since the beginning of its full-scale invasion in 2022.
In Kyiv, search and rescue efforts commenced early Thursday morning to locate individuals trapped under the rubble of a nine-story apartment complex struck during the night.
Police confirmed that two men, aged 21 and 30, along with an unidentified woman, were found dead within the wreckage of the building’s entrance.
A fourth victim, a man, succumbed to his injuries in a hospital after being attacked at a petrol station.
Kyiv Mayor, Vitaliy Klychko, who surveyed the damage at the apartment building, reported that 18 residences were destroyed and noted that the assault disrupted the city’s water supply.
More than 1,500 rescuers and police officers are engaged in recovery operations, with nearly 600 of them stationed in Kyiv, according to Internal Affairs Minister Ihor Klymenko.
Rescue teams have successfully retrieved dozens of individuals from the damaged structure, while more than ten people are believed to be missing. Canine units are assisting in the search efforts, having moved over 20 cubic meters of debris and evacuated five vehicles affected by the blasts.
The strikes also caused damage to other residential buildings, a school, a veterinary clinic, and various infrastructures within Kyiv, as reported by President Zelensky. The extensive attack saw Russian drones traverse much of Ukraine, impacting regions such as Kremenchuk, Bila Tserkva, Kharkiv, Sumy, and Odesa.
Prime Minister Svyrydenko emphasized the urgent need for enhanced air defense systems to protect Ukrainian citizens and cities.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andriy Sybiha, condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin, for what he termed a “barbaric attack,” asserting that Moscow’s actions reflect a preference for “aggression and terror” over peace.
He highlighted that the assault coincided with a pivotal summit between US President Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jinping, urging both leaders to apply pressure on Russia.
”I am confident that the leaders of the United States and China possess sufficient influence over Moscow to compel Putin to bring an end to the conflict,” he stated.
These recent strikes followed a three-day ceasefire mediated by the US that ended late on Monday. Both Russia and Ukraine reported numerous violations during the truce, primarily along the extensive frontline, but there were no significant aerial assaults.
After resuming its attacks on Tuesday, Russia killed nine people, followed by another major strike on Wednesday that resulted in six additional fatalities amidst an assault involving 892 drones launched from Russian territory.
On Thursday morning, Ukrainian President, Zelensky, noted that more than 1,560 Russian drones had targeted Ukrainian cities since Tuesday night.
He characterized Russia’s extensive offensive as “definitely not indicative of those who believe the war is nearing its conclusion,” urging Ukraine’s allies to break their silence.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong