In a devastating escalation of violence, Russian military strikes across Ukraine have claimed at least nine civilian lives, including children, in the latest wave of attacks that targeted multiple regions.
Regional Attacks and Civilian Casualties
The eastern city of Kharkiv witnessed the deadliest assault, where Russian S-300 missiles struck a residential district, killing five civilians and wounding eight others. Regional governor Oleh Syniehubov confirmed the attack caused significant damage to apartment buildings and civilian infrastructure in the Shevchenkivskyi district.
Meanwhile, in the Donetsk region, Russian shelling claimed four more lives. Governor Vadym Filashkin reported that two children were among the fatalities when artillery fire hit the town of Selydove. The attack also left five people injured, adding to the growing civilian toll in the conflict-ridden eastern territory.
Infrastructure Damage and Emergency Response
The attacks caused extensive damage to critical civilian infrastructure across affected regions. In Kharkiv, emergency services worked tirelessly to search through rubble of damaged residential buildings, while in Donetsk, medical teams rushed to provide assistance to the wounded.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, emphasizing that Russian forces deliberately targeted civilian areas rather than military installations. The strikes represent a continuation of Russia's intensified aerial bombardment campaign that has seen increased use of missiles and drones against Ukrainian cities.
International Response and Ongoing Conflict
The international community has expressed growing concern over the rising civilian casualties. United Nations officials have repeatedly called for protection of non-combatants, while Western allies continue to supply Ukraine with air defense systems to counter such attacks.
These latest casualties come as the conflict approaches its third year, with no immediate prospects for peace negotiations. Civilian infrastructure remains vulnerable to Russian missile and drone attacks despite Ukraine's improved air defense capabilities.
The Ukrainian military reports that Russian forces have launched over 3,500 missiles and more than 4,000 drone attacks against civilian targets since the invasion began, resulting in thousands of civilian deaths and widespread destruction of homes, hospitals, and energy facilities.
