In a dramatic escalation, Russia has launched a massive overnight attack on Ukraine’s southern and central regions. Authorities reported significant casualties in the city of Zaporizhzhia, with one woman killed and 28 others injured, including three children. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia unleashed over 500 drones and 45 missiles, impacting 14 regions across the country.
The Russian defense ministry confirmed that all intended targets were achieved during the strike. This marked the second consecutive night that Dnipropetrovsk was targeted, with local officials urging residents to take cover. On the prior Thursday, Ukraine experienced its second-largest aerial assault of the war.
In response, Ukraine has targeted key oil refineries in Russia’s Krasnodar and Syzran regions, which both have been previously attacked. Reports highlighted numerous explosions and fires impacting facilities that produce approximately three million tons of oil annually. Russian officials acknowledged the drone strikes but claimed no casualties arose from the incidents.
Amid this escalation, Zelensky condemned Russia’s actions as a blatant disregard for diplomatic conversations, calling for increased sanctions and support from global allies, as discussions occur among European foreign affairs ministers in Denmark to evaluate additional sanctions against Russia.
