In Russia, a major Ukrainian drone attack on the Black Sea port of Tuapse killed two people
Russia launched its deadliest attack so far this year on the Ukrainian capital Kiev and other cities overnightkilling at least 17 people, including a 12 year old childand injuring dozens, in drone and missile attacks, officials said Thursday.
In Russia, a major Ukrainian drone attack on the Black Sea port of Tuapse killed two people, including a 14-year-old girl, injured seven and caused a huge fire, Russian authorities and media reported. The port is home to a major oil refinery, as well as an export center for oil, coal and fertilizers.
Overnight in Kiev, fires in several different places sent black smoke into the sky. The strong smell lingered throughout the morning as residents and emergency crews cleaned up debris scattered across heavily damaged buildings, including apartment blocks and a hotel.
“I fear for our country and everything we have. For the people. I’m sorry for the children. Many people died today,” said Olena Kapustian, 41, standing outside with her son.
Zelenskiy pede ajuda
Four people, including the child, died in Kiev, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said. Eight people were killed in Odessa and four in the southeastern city of Dnipro, where Russian strikes set residential buildings on fire, according to regional authorities.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the night proved Russia did not deserve any easing of global politics or lifting of sanctions, with 100 people injured in addition to those killed.
“There can be no normalization of Russia as it is today. Pressure on Russia needs to work. And it is important to fulfill all promises of assistance to Ukraine on time,” he declared.
Moscow said it carried out a “massive” attack on Ukraine that hit energy targets used by Ukrainian forces and the production of cruise missiles and drones, without giving details. The commander of Kiev’s drone forces said the Ukrainian military hit two oil deposits in Russian-occupied Crimea and infrastructure in the southern Russian port of Tuapse.
Ukraine said its air force units shot down or neutralized 31 missiles and 636 dronesbut 12 missiles and 20 drones hit their targets in the 24 hours to 7am on Thursday.
Rescue operations were ongoing and the death toll could rise, Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said, while Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called on the international community to act.
“All necessary decisions to increase pressure on the aggressor must be unblocked now,” he said on X. “It is immoral, counterproductive and dangerous to delay sanctions against Russia or support packages for Ukraine.”
