Russia Launches Extensive Drone Assault on Kyiv and Odesa
In a recent escalation, Russia has launched a wave of drone and missile attacks on key Ukrainian locations, including the capital, Kyiv, and the port city of Odesa. Tragically, these strikes have resulted in the loss of three lives and targeted a maternity hospital, according to Ukrainian officials.
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The conflict has intensified, with Moscow amplifying its bombardments of Ukraine while Kyiv retaliates with strikes deep into Russian territory. Diplomatic efforts, such as last week’s talks in Turkey, have not produced any significant breakthroughs towards ending this protracted conflict, which has now persisted for three years. Although an agreement for prisoner exchanges was made, other discussions have stalled.
In the wake of an overnight assault involving more than 300 drones and seven missiles, President Volodyr Zelensky called on Kyiv’s Western partners to take “concrete action.” He articulated this sentiment on social media, stating, “Action from America, which has the power to force Russia into peace. Action from Europe, which has no alternative but to be strong.” He further reported that some missiles fired in this latest wave originated from North Korea.
Air raid alerts reverberated throughout Kyiv and many regions of Ukraine for five hours, underscoring the severity of the situation.
The Russian defense ministry claimed responsibility for targeting “Ukrainian aviation, missile, armored vehicle, and ship-building facilities in Kyiv” through a coordinated strike. They affirmed, “The goal of the strikes was achieved. All designated objects were hit.” However, residential areas and hospital buildings in Odesa also came under attack, resulting in two deaths and at least nine injuries, as reported by Governor Oleg Kiper. He mentioned on Telegram, “The enemy massively attacked Odesa with strike drones.” Fortunately, the maternity hospital was evacuated prior to the assault.
In central Kyiv, the chaos of at least a dozen explosions resonated along with anti-aircraft fire and drone activity. City officials reported that one woman was killed and four others injured, while multiple districts were struck, igniting fires that engulfed buildings and vehicles.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has precipitated Europe’s largest conflict since World War II, driving millions from their homes and ravaging various regions of eastern and southern Ukraine. Recent data from the Ukrainian Air Force indicated that Russia launched a record 479 explosive drones overnight into yesterday morning.
In retaliation, Kyiv has targeted Russian infrastructure, focusing on transport and weapons production. In Belgorod, close to the Ukrainian border, one person was killed during a Ukrainian drone attack on a petrol station, as reported by Russian emergency services. The Russian defense ministry claimed the interception of 102 Ukrainian drones overnight.
Amid all this, the prospect for peace remains dim. “Despite pressure from international leaders, including US President Donald Trump, discussions have reached an impasse,” reported officials. The only tangible outcome from the Istanbul talks was a large-scale prisoner exchange, which included the repatriation of deceased soldiers’ bodies. Mr. Zelensky announced that the exchange would “continue in several stages over the coming days,” aiming to liberate all captured soldiers under 25, along with those who are sick or severely wounded.
However, President Zelensky has expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of further negotiations with the current Russian delegation, which he criticized as “empty heads,” citing their inability to agree on a ceasefire. Meanwhile, Russian forces continue advancing along the front lines.
In a significant territorial escalation, Moscow has penetrated the Dnipropetrovsk region, marking a concerning development. “It’s time for everyone to finally accept that Russia understands only strikes, not rational words,” remarked Andriy Yermak, a senior aide to Zelensky, in a tacit critique of U.S. foreign policy.
Russia has insisted on preconditions for ceasing its invasion, which include the cession of territories that Moscow claims to have annexed and a commitment from Ukraine not to join NATO. The Kremlin has outright rejected a proposed 30-day unconditional ceasefire from Kyiv and the European Union, arguing that it would allow Ukrainian forces to regroup with Western support. Meanwhile, Ukraine demands a full Russian withdrawal from its territory and security guarantees from Western allies.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.