Russia Resumes Attacks on Ukraine After Ceasefire Ends

After the expiration of a three-day ceasefire, Russian forces initiated a series of attacks across Ukraine, leading to multiple civilian casualties and significant infrastructure damage. In the Dnipropetrovsk region, at least six people were killed, including two in a drone strike on an apartment building in Kryvyi Rih, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's hometown. The attack also injured four individuals, among them a nine-month-old girl who lost her leg. Further aerial bomb strikes northeast of Kryvyi Rih resulted in four deaths and three injuries.

President Zelenskyy condemned the renewed violence, stating that Russia continues to kill and maim Ukrainians, emphasizing that pressure on Russia must not be weakened. He reported that drones were intercepted over several regions but acknowledged damage to energy facilities, residential buildings, a kindergarten, and a civilian locomotive. In Kyiv, debris from a downed drone ignited a fire on the roof of a 16-story residential building in the Obolon district, injuring two people. Additional injuries and damage were reported in the Cherkasy, Zhytomyr, and Chernihiv regions.

In response, Ukrainian forces targeted gas facilities in Russia's Orenburg region, located over 1,500 kilometers from Ukraine's borders. President Zelenskyy highlighted Ukraine's current position on the frontline, in long-range strikes, and in joint results with partners as being at their highest level in years, stressing the need to maintain this level and continue achieving results. He also mentioned ongoing collaboration with European allies to develop technologies for defending against ballistic missiles, with 13 countries and NATO representatives participating in recent discussions.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas suggested that signs of Russian President Vladimir Putin's weakening position could present an opportunity to end the war in Ukraine. She noted that Putin's recent statement indicating the war was heading to an end reflects a lack of strength, suggesting a potential opening for concluding the conflict.