In a recent escalation of violence, a Russian drone struck a block of flats in eastern Kyiv, leading to six fatalities and injuring dozens more amid a series of attacks across the Ukrainian capital. Emergency responders worked tirelessly on the wreckage in the Lisovyi area, with one resident, Vita, recounting the harrowing moment the drone penetrated the building, causing a catastrophic explosion.
Ukrainian forces have pivoted in their response, intensifying drone strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, including a significant operation targeting a major export terminal in Novorossiysk. The strikes at Sheskharis oil refinery resulted in damage to critical facilities.
Local officials reported that three crew members were injured in the assault on the oil depot and container terminal, with Mayor Andrei Kravchenko imposing a state of emergency following significant damage to local infrastructure and the suspension of oil exports.
President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the situation, highlighting that Ukraine deployed long-range Long Neptune cruise missiles in retaliation, though the exact targets remained undisclosed.
In the aftermath of the drone attack in Kyiv, the city's infrastructure suffered extensive damage, with approximately 430 drones and 18 missiles launched in coordinated strikes that inflicted harm on numerous buildings and civilians. Witnesses reported that residential areas were struck across virtually every district, prompting urgent calls for shelter from city officials.
The local fire service confirmed that the drone hit the seventh floor, leading to the collapse of several lower floors. Eyewitness accounts detailed the heart-wrenching scenes of rescue efforts, with residents witnessing the recovery of victims from nearby apartments.
Despite the ongoing turmoil, the resilience of the people shines through as emergency response teams pull survivors from the rubble; over 40 individuals have been rescued so far. However, the chaos of the ongoing aggression weighs heavily, with reports of medical emergencies and extensive damage throughout the capital.
In total, this incident underscores the humanitarian crisis unleashed by the conflict, with civilians bearing the brunt of military confrontations. As the situation evolves, international observers call for urgent support for those affected by the violence.
