At least 17 people have been killed and dozens more injured after a wave of massive missile and drone attacks by Russia on Ukraine, in what is considered the deadliest attack this year.
The overnight strikes have affected several cities, including the capital Kyiv, where multiple explosions and fires engulfed residential areas, causing extensive damage to buildings, including apartment buildings and a hotel.
According to Mayor Vitali Klitschko, four people, including a 12-year-old child, lost their lives in the capital, while about 60 others were injured.
Eight deaths and 26 injuries were reported in the southern city of Odessa, while in Dnipro four people were killed and dozens more injured after residential buildings were engulfed in flames.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for more international aid and increased pressure on Russia.
"There can be no normalization of Russia as it is today. The pressure must work and any promises of assistance to Ukraine must be fulfilled in a timely manner," he declared.
According to Ukrainian authorities, around 100 people have been injured in total, while search and rescue operations continue and the number of victims may increase.
On the other hand, Moscow confirmed that it had carried out a "massive" attack, claiming to have hit energy targets and infrastructure linked to the Ukrainian military.
Meanwhile, Ukraine announced that it had neutralized dozens of missiles and hundreds of drones, but some of them managed to hit their targets.
Attacks also on Russian territory
In response, Ukraine struck the Black Sea port of Tuapse, killing two people, including a 14-year-old girl, and injuring seven others. The attack also caused a major fire in an area strategically important for Russian exports of oil and other products.
The situation remains tense, as the international community faces renewed calls for stronger measures against Moscow and greater support for Kiev.
