Russia Launches Large-Scale Drone and Missile Attack on Ukraine

Recent reports have highlighted a significant escalation in conflict, with Russia launching a large-scale drone and missile attack on Ukraine. Key areas targeted by the Russian forces include Kiev, Odessa, and Zaporozhe resulting in severe casualties.

Death Toll Rises in Zaporozhe

According to Ivan Fedorov, the governor of the Zaporozhe region, the death toll from the Russian attack has increased to eight, with a one-year-old boy among the fatalities. Additionally, 42 people have been reportedly injured in this assault. Rescue teams have managed to extract two wounded children and an injured woman from under the debris of the attack.

Residential areas and a hospital in Zaporozhye have been severely affected by the glide bombs deployed by Russia.

Strikes in Odessa and Kharkiv

Meanwhile, in the port city of Odessa, Ukrainian emergency services reported one fatality and nine injuries in the aftermath of the overnight strikes. Similarly, in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, at least 25 people were injured following a Russian strike on a residential building.

In a statement, the city’s mayor, Igor Terehov, noted, “The number of wounded keeps rising. There are currently 25.” He also mentioned ongoing rescue operations for people trapped within the affected buildings.

Impacts on Kiev

Reports suggest that Kiev, Ukraine’s capital, has also been targeted by missile attacks. The city’s military administration stated that air defenses had been activated in response to the assault. The capital has experienced frequent drone strikes since early November, with the military administration reporting an attack involving almost 30 drones that resulted in two injured individuals.

Call for Western Intervention

Amid the ongoing hostilities, Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly appealed to their Western allies for more air defense systems to counter the Russian attacks.

Sergei Shoshigu, the head of the Russian Security Council, urged Kiev’s Western allies to initiate negotiations with Moscow if they wish to halt the attacks against Ukrainians.