Russia launched over 100 drones targeting civilian areas across Ukraine overnight, intensifying its aerial assault in a war now dragging into its fourth year. The attacks, which Ukrainian authorities described as one of the largest drone strikes yet, left at least 10 civilians dead and 38 injured, including three children.
The assault comes as Ukraine faces mounting pressure on a 1,000-kilometre front line, with Russian forces pushing harder at several points. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia has escalated its offensive significantly, launching 1,270 drones, 39 missiles, and nearly 1,000 glide bombs in the past week alone.
In response, Ukraine is ramping up its own drone capabilities through deals with European allies and a major U.S. defense company, aiming to produce “hundreds of thousands” of drones this year. Zelenskyy emphasized that boosting air defense, including interceptor drones, remains critical to protecting civilian lives.
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Nighttime attacks were reported across major cities:
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Odesa: 1 killed
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Kharkiv: 27 injured
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Kyiv: Drone debris caused damage in two districts
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Sumy: 2 killed, 2 injured
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Donetsk: 7 killed, 9 injured
Meanwhile, Russia claimed to have downed 91 Ukrainian drones across 13 regions, including Crimea and the Black Sea.
Adding to domestic turmoil, the Kremlin dismissed Transport Minister Roman Starovoyt on Monday amid widespread flight cancellations over the weekend due to drone threats. Major Russian airports, including Moscow’s Sheremetyevo and St. Petersburg’s Pulkovo, faced massive disruptions, highlighting the war’s growing reach into Russian territory.
The Kremlin did not specify the reason for Starovoyt’s dismissal, but the timing suggests a link to the travel chaos, reflecting how Ukraine’s drone strategy is affecting both military and civilian life deep inside Russia.
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