The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has intensified, resulting in significant casualties and destruction. On Sunday, Ukraine launched a series of drone and missile attacks on Sevastopol, a port city in Russia-annexed Crimea, killing six people and wounding over 100. Russian authorities reported that the attacks caused a forest fire of over 150 square meters and a residential building to be set alight. The city’s Moscow-installed governor, Mikhail Razvozhayev, reported that five people, including two children, were hit by falling debris from Ukrainian missiles that were shot down over the coastal area. Another person died in Grayvoron city in Russia’s Belgorod region, bordering Ukraine.
Russia’s Defense Ministry accused both Ukraine and the US of responsibility for the missile strike on civilians, alleging that US-supplied ATACMS missiles were used in the attack. Meanwhile, Ukraine reported that it was attacked by Russia in Kharkiv, a city that was previously bombed by Russia the day before. At least one person was killed and 11 others were wounded in the latest attack, which left around half of the city without electricity.
Drone and Missile Attacks Causing Casualties and Destruction
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged his country’s partners to bolster its air defenses, stating that modern air defense systems, accelerated training of pilots for F-16s, and sufficient range for Ukraine’s weapons are necessary. Two people were wounded by falling debris when two Russian missiles were shot down over the Kyiv region overnight, according to Ukraine’s air force commander, Mykola Oleschuk.
In other developments, the Ukrainian Navy released photos that it claims confirm the destruction of a warehouse in Russia’s southern Krasnodar region used to launch and store Iranian-designed Shahed drones. The Navy reported that training instructors and cadets were killed in the attack, which occurred on Friday night. Moscow has yet to comment on the reports, but officials said air defenses shot down a number of drones in the region overnight on Friday.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been ongoing for several months, with both sides accusing each other of aggression. The situation appears to be escalating, with both sides exchanging heavy artillery fire and engaging in aerial attacks. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with many countries calling for a ceasefire and a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
