Kyiv:—At least seven people lost their lives as Russia unleashed a massive drone attack across Ukraine overnight Sunday, according to Ukrainian officials and emergency services. The assault, one of the largest in recent weeks, targeted multiple regions, including Kyiv, just before crucial ceasefire talks scheduled in Saudi Arabia.
Escalation Before Diplomatic Talks
The drone offensive comes ahead of indirect negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, facilitated by the United States, set to take place on Monday. The discussions will focus on halting long-range strikes on energy infrastructure and civilian areas. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that a delegation from Ukraine would meet with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, followed by technical teams working on the details of a possible partial ceasefire.
147 Drones Launched, 7 Killed, and Dozens Injured
Russia fired a staggering 147 drones into Ukrainian airspace overnight. The Ukrainian Air Force reported successfully shooting down 97 of them, while 25 others failed to reach their intended targets due to countermeasures. The attacks struck key regions including Kharkiv, Sumy, Chernihiv, Odesa, Donetsk, and Kyiv.
In the Ukrainian capital, a five-hour-long air raid siren echoed through the night as extended explosions rang out. The Kyiv Military Administration confirmed that three people, including a five-year-old child, were killed, and at least ten others were wounded.
Falling drone debris ignited multiple fires in residential buildings, exacerbating the destruction. A nine-story apartment complex in the Dnipro district caught fire, resulting in the death of a woman, according to the State Emergency Service. Meanwhile, in the Podil district, a fire engulfed the 20th floor of a 25-story high-rise, and in Holosiivskyi, blazes broke out in a warehouse and an office building, killing one more person.
Beyond Kyiv, Russian strikes on the Donetsk region took four more lives, according to regional governor Vadym Filashkin. Among the victims, three perished in a targeted assault on the frontline town of Dobropillya.
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Zelenskyy Condemns Relentless Russian Strikes
President Zelenskyy took to social media to denounce the continued Russian assaults, emphasizing the relentless nature of Moscow’s attacks.
“This week alone, more than 1,580 guided aerial bombs, almost 1,100 strike drones, and 15 missiles of various types were used against our people,” Zelenskyy stated. “New solutions are needed, with new pressure on Moscow to stop both these strikes and this war”.
Russia Claims to Have Downed 59 Ukrainian Drones
Meanwhile, Russia’s Ministry of Defence reported that its air defenses shot down 59 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 29 over the Rostov region and 20 in southwestern Astrakhan. According to Rostov’s temporary governor, Yuri Slyusar, one person was killed in the drone strike, and a car caught fire due to the attack.
As the conflict escalates with increasing aerial warfare, all eyes remain on the upcoming ceasefire discussions in Saudi Arabia, where world powers will push for de-escalation. However, with both sides continuing to trade strikes, the prospects of a lasting truce remain uncertain.
