Russian Air Assault on Ukraine Results in At Least 22 Fatalities
Just the facts

Russian Air Assault on Ukraine Results in At Least 22 Fatalities

Summary

A significant aerial assault by Russian forces on multiple Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv and Dnipro, has resulted in 22 civilian deaths and over 138 injuries, according to local authorities.

A large-scale aerial attack by Russian forces occurred overnight, targeting several Ukrainian cities and resulting in at least 22 civilian fatalities and 138 injuries. The assault involved hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles, with Dnipro and Kyiv among the hardest-hit locations.

Emergency services reported that the casualties included a 3-year-old child and an 8-year-old boy, as explosions were heard throughout the night. In Dnipro alone, 16 people lost their lives, while 6 fatalities were confirmed in Kyiv. Residents had been alerted to the potential for significant attacks, following warnings from Russia for foreign diplomats to leave the country.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need for increased support from the U.S. and Europe, characterizing the assault as a clear indication of Russia's intent to continue its missile strikes unless Ukraine receives better defense capabilities against such attacks.

In the wake of the assault, Dnipro's mayor announced a day of mourning for the victims. The coordinated attack reportedly struck both military and civilian infrastructure across various regions in Ukraine, prompting a defense response that successfully intercepted a large portion of the missiles and drones launched.

Witness accounts detailed the harrowing experiences of those caught in the attack, with residents describing the chaos and destruction. Despite the intense military actions, Ukrainian defensive efforts have been credited with mitigating further losses, though the threat remains high as Russia continues to assert its military objectives in the ongoing conflict.

Source

NPR
FL Plus

Read the full story with FL Plus

Unlimited news plus the analysis behind every headline.

Unlimited news feed
See why each story scored
Full fact-check details