Three Killed After Russia Launches ‘Massive’ Attack Across Ukraine
Russia has executed a ‘massive’ overnight attack across several Ukrainian cities, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least three individuals, including a four-year-old child. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported this assault following his warning of potential strikes during the Christmas period.
– Casualties and Impact:
– At least three fatalities confirmed by Ukrainian officials.
– A four-year-old child, taken to the hospital, succumbed despite medical efforts.
– A 76-year-old woman and a 72-year-old man were also killed in separate strikes.
– Five additional individuals sustained injuries.
– Energy infrastructure was specifically targeted, leaving multiple regions without power.
– Scale of the Attack:
– The Russian military unleashed 635 drones and 38 missiles, with Ukraine’s air force successfully intercepting 621 of these threats.
– Zelensky described the strikes as indicative of Russia’s priorities, with civilians yearning to be safe with their families as the festive season approaches.
– Ongoing Conflict:
– Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine commenced in February 2022, with Moscow now controlling approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory.
– Zelensky mentioned that the Kremlin seems inclined to carry out massive attacks during holiday seasons.
– Local Responses:
– Authorities in the Zhytomyr region confirmed the loss of the young child and reported ongoing medical efforts for the injured.
– In Kyiv, a house strike resulted in one death and injuries to three others.
– An attack in Khmelnytskyy was also reported, where a regional administrator confirmed a fatality.
– Increased Military Alert:
– Polish fighter jets were deployed in response to the incoming missiles and drones targeting western Ukraine.
– The Russian defense ministry asserted that the assaults were directed at Ukraine’s military-industrial complex and associated energy facilities, claiming all targets were successfully struck.
– Ukraine’s Counteraction:
– Reports indicate that Ukraine has retaliated, hitting a petrochemical plant in Stravropol, southern Russia, causing substantial fire damage, though no casualties were reported.
– Civilians’ Experience:
– Residents in Zaporizhzhia, near the front lines, recounted distressing nights filled with alerts of approaching drones and missiles, describing the situation as an erosion of normal life. One resident mentioned experiencing only 10 hours of electricity out of 24 due to power cuts.
– Energy Concerns:
– With temperatures plummeting to as low as -7°C, the Ukrainian energy operator notified people of impending emergency power shutdowns across all regions. Acting Energy Minister Artem Nekrasov noted this was the ninth large attack on Ukraine’s energy system this year, leaving regions like Rivne, Ternopil, and Khmelnytsky nearly devoid of power.
– Recent Developments:
– The southern port city of Odesa has faced heightened Russian attacks, coinciding with threats to sever Ukraine’s access to the Black Sea. This escalation follows Ukraine’s drone strikes on tankers linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet.”
– Speculation surrounds the timing of the attack, possibly connected to the recent assassination of Lt. Gen. Fanil Sarvarov in Moscow, which Russia has attributed to Ukraine.
– Diplomatic efforts continue with discussions involving the U.S., where proposals for a Christmas truce were reportedly rejected by Russia.
As the conflict persists, the impact of these massive attacks remains a pressing concern, highlighting the urgent need for global attention and support for Ukraine’s ongoing struggles.