#JUSTIN: Seven Dead, Including Two Children, in Ukraine-Russia Strikes

At least seven people have been killed in fresh Russian strikes on Ukraine, with two children among the dead, as the war between Moscow and Kyiv continues into its fifth year. Russian forces carried out missile and drone attacks overnight, hitting residential areas and critical infrastructure in multiple regions, officials said.

In the southern port city of Odesa, a barrage of Russian drones and missiles struck residential buildings early on Monday, killing three civilians — including a two‑year‑old child — and wounding at least 16 others. The assault also damaged power facilities, leaving thousands of homes in parts of the city without electricity, according to local authorities and emergency responders.

In a separate strike, a woman and her two‑year‑old daughter were killed near Odesa, with rescue operations ongoing amid extensive damage to residential buildings and a kindergarten. At least 16,700 households across the region lost electricity following the attacks, according to regional officials.

Also Read: Russian Military Strike in Odesa Kills Three, Injures 16

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes in a statement, reiterating calls for enhanced air‑defense support from international partners and urging greater efforts to protect civilians. He emphasized that the attacks occurred despite repeated Ukrainian proposals for ceasefires during religious holidays and that Russia has continued nightly aerial assaults.

The renewed wave of Russian attacks comes amid a broader surge in hostilities, with Russia targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and residential districts in cities including Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Dnipro. Kyiv officials reported that more than 140 drones were launched during the latest barrage, overwhelming air‑defense systems in some areas.

Despite mounting civilian casualties, Ukrainian authorities said they would continue to press for additional defensive support and called on global partners to help increase interception rates of incoming drones and missiles. The attacks highlight the ongoing human toll of the conflict, with civilians — including children — repeatedly caught in crossfires as both sides sustain offensive operations.

Also Read: Russian Military Strike in Odesa Kills Three, Injures 16