At least 25 dead in Ukraine as Zelenskiy denounces Russia’s ‘vile strikes’ amid devastating missile and drone attacks
Russia’s missile and drone attacks on Ukraine resulted in at least 25 deaths and numerous injuries, prompting condemnation from President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.The heaviest casualties occurred in Pryluky, where 19 fatalities, including five children, were reported after a missile struck a residential building.
Zelenskiy condemns attacks
Zelenskiy noted the attacks coincided with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s birthday, referring to it as a grim gift.
Civilians were targeted in major cities, including Kyiv and Kremenchuk, amid a wave of missile strikes.
Ukraine’s air defence reportedly intercepted about 80% of the 46 drones used in the attack.
Russia’s defence ministry claimed the strikes were aimed at military-industrial sites, employing high-precision weapons and drones.
Reports indicate a significant increase in aerial interceptions compared to prior weeks.
Zelenskiy acknowledged ballistic missiles as a continuing threat, highlighting the need for advanced missile defence systems.
Ukraine received a new €1.2 billion ($1.34 billion) financial support package from the European Union for defence.
The U.S. Patriot system remains crucial for countering ballistic missile threats but is in short supply due to global conflicts.
Russia’s targeted sites included the Ukrainian defence company Fire Point, which produces advanced missiles.
Zelenskiy confirmed Ukrainian forces attacked several targets in Russia in retaliation for Russian strikes on civilian areas.
Warnings of impending attacks prompted many Kyiv residents to seek shelter in the metro system.
Ukrainian officials reported that both missiles and drones targeted Kyiv during the assaults.
