Kyiv, Dnipro and Odesa targeted in major strikes
Russian forces launched a wave of drone and missile strikes across Ukraine overnight, killing at least 15 people and injuring around 100, according to Ukrainian officials.
The latest escalation in Russian attacks on Ukraine hit multiple cities, including Kyiv, Dnipro and Odesa, despite a brief Easter ceasefire observed over the weekend.
Casualties reported in multiple regions
In Kyiv, officials said four people died, including a 12-year-old boy. Emergency teams also rescued a mother and child from the ruins of a collapsed 16-storey residential building in the Podilsky district.
In Dnipro, three people were killed and dozens injured, according to regional authorities. Fires broke out in several buildings after the strikes.
In Odesa, eight people were killed in missile and drone attacks on the southern port city, officials said. Further strikes were reported early Thursday.
Across the border in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai region, local authorities said Ukrainian drone strikes killed two children aged five and 14.
Widespread damage and power cuts
Officials reported drone and missile attacks on Kharkiv, where two people were injured, while Mykolaiv and Kherson were left without electricity following infrastructure damage.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian forces shot down 636 drones in the past 24 hours.
He said Russia launched nearly 700 drones, along with 19 ballistic missiles and other cruise missiles, during the overnight assault.
Zelensky said the latest Russian attacks on Ukraine showed that Moscow “does not deserve any easing of global pressure or sanctions”.
Calls for stronger international response
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the strikes amount to war crimes and called for immediate action from the international community.
He urged countries to impose additional sanctions on Russia and increase military and financial support for Ukraine.
Peace efforts remain stalled
The war, now in its fifth year, has seen multiple failed attempts at peace negotiations.
Kyiv continues to push for a full ceasefire as a first step toward a long-term settlement, while Moscow insists on negotiating a broader agreement first.
The deadlock has slowed diplomatic efforts, despite previous mediation attempts involving the United States.
Also read: Ukraine hit by Russian strike with 300 drones, 1 dead 7 injured
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