Russia launched more than 700 drones and missiles at Ukraine in multiple waves overnight, killing at least 18 people in what local officials described as the deadliest attack in months.
Officials reported that nine fatalities occurred in the southern port city of Odesa, five in the central region of Dnipro, and four – including a child – were in the capital, Kyiv.
In retaliation, a Ukrainian drone strike in the southern Krasnodar region reportedly killed two individuals, including a child.
The attacks follow a brief ceasefire over the Orthodox Easter as each side accused the other of numerous violations.
Emergency services in Kyiv responded to urgent calls as drone sirens pierced the night air, with explosions reported shortly after. Eyewitness accounts revealed enormous flames and thick black smoke engulfing parts of the city. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko announced that among those killed was a 12-year-old boy, with around 45 others injured, including four emergency medical personnel.
In Dnipro, local officials detailed the tragic result of the Russian aerial onslaught, stating initially that four people had died, only for updates to show that the death toll continued to rise.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned these aerial attacks, emphasizing to international allies the necessity of maintaining or boosting sanctions against Russia. He remarked, 'Russia is betting on war, and that is precisely how we must respond; with all our ability to protect lives and negotiate for peace.'
The latest strikes compounded the dire situation in Ukraine, further demonstrating the urgent need for enhanced military support and humanitarian aid on the global stage.
