Russia Launches Major Missile Attack on Ukraine, Causing Casualties

Russia has initiated a significant missile and drone offensive against Ukraine, resulting in at least three fatalities and injuring dozens more. The attacks, which occurred early on Saturday, targeted multiple regions, including Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhia, Poltava, Kyiv, Odesa, Sumy, and Kharkiv, according to Ukrainian officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, stating that the enemy aimed at critical infrastructure, residential areas, and civilian enterprises. A missile equipped with cluster munitions struck a multi-story building in the city of Dnipro, a clear example of the targeted nature of the assault.

“Each such strike is not a military necessity but a deliberate strategy by Russia to intimidate civilians and destroy our infrastructure,” Zelenskyy stated on his official Telegram channel.

In the central Dnipropetrovsk region, at least 26 individuals suffered injuries from the attacks, as confirmed by local governor Serhii Lysak. The eastern city of Dnipro faced substantial damage, with several high-rise buildings and homes affected. Strikes were also reported in the Kyiv region, specifically in Bucha, Boryspil, and Obukhiv, where a home and cars were damaged.

In the western region of Lviv, Governor Maxim Kozytsky reported that two cruise missiles were successfully intercepted by Ukrainian air defenses.

Ukraine’s Air Force revealed that Russia launched a total of 619 drones and missiles during the assault. Ukrainian forces managed to shoot down 552 drones, two ballistic missiles, and 29 cruise missiles. The effectiveness of Western military support was highlighted, with the Air Force noting that tactical aviation, including F-16 fighters, played a crucial role in neutralizing the threat.

Incursion and Escalation of Tensions

In a related development, Russia’s Defense Ministry denied accusations of violating Estonia’s airspace. Reports indicated that three Russian fighter jets crossed into Estonian territory without permission for approximately 12 minutes on Friday. Estonia’s Foreign Minister described the incident as an “unprecedentedly brazen” incursion, occurring shortly after NATO forces downed Russian drones over Poland.

In an online statement, Russia asserted that its fighter jets had remained over neutral Baltic Sea waters, more than 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from Estonia’s Vaindloo Island in the Gulf of Finland. The statement emphasized that the flight was conducted in accordance with international airspace regulations and did not infringe upon other states’ borders.

Following the airspace violation, Estonian officials summoned a Russian diplomat to express their concerns. They also initiated discussions among NATO allies under Article 4 of the alliance’s treaty, which stipulates that consultations must occur when a member’s territorial integrity or security is threatened.

As the conflict escalates, the situation remains tense, with ongoing military operations and geopolitical ramifications being closely monitored.