In a series of devastating events, Ukrainian drones attacked three Russian regions last night, resulting in casualties and significant damage. Local authorities reported that dozens of unmanned aircraft were shot down over the Rostov oblast, while in Belgorod, at least one person was killed and two were injured. Similar attacks were also reported in the Voronezh region, although no casualties were recorded there.
Governor Vasily Golubev of the Rostov region stated that air defense forces destroyed and suppressed several dozen targets using electronic warfare equipment. In Belgorod, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov confirmed that the air defense system was activated, and several air targets were shot down as they approached the city, leading to one fatality and two injuries. Voronezh Governor Alexander Gusev reported that air defense forces detected and destroyed several drones, though no damage or casualties occurred.
These drone attacks come in the wake of one of the bloodiest Russian assaults on Ukraine in recent months. At least 37 people were killed and 170 injured, including victims in two major hospitals in Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed retaliation against Russia for these attacks.
In a related incident, a Russian missile attack partially destroyed a children's hospital in Kyiv, causing terror among patients and their families. The brazen daytime airstrike hit multiple cities across Ukraine, including Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Slavyansk, and Kramatorsk, during the morning rush hour. The large-scale shelling resulted in significant casualties and damage.
The children's hospital, the largest in Ukraine, plays a crucial role in treating some of the country's sickest children, including those with cancer and hematological diseases. Ukrainian Health Minister Viktor Liashko reported that intensive care, oncology, and surgery units were damaged. Videos from the scene showed volunteers working with police and security services to rescue trapped individuals and clear debris.
Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing moments during the attack. Natalia Sardudinova, head nurse, described the chaos and fear as windows shattered and smoke filled the hospital. Medical staff and community members quickly formed lines to clear debris and search for survivors. Zelensky has called for a United Nations Security Council meeting and promised retaliation for the attacks.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported shooting down 30 of the 38 missiles launched by Russia. Despite this, the attacks caused extensive damage and highlighted the urgent need for more air defense systems. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov reiterated the call for additional air defense support from Western allies.
Several European countries condemned the attacks, with France labeling them as 'barbaric' and the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling them 'the most depraved of actions.' The World Health Organization reported over 1,600 heavy weapons attacks on medical facilities in Ukraine since the invasion began, resulting in 141 deaths.
- The drone attacks on Russian regions mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The use of unmanned aircraft for such attacks underscores the evolving nature of warfare in the region.
- The destruction of the children's hospital in Kyiv has drawn international condemnation and highlighted the devastating impact of the conflict on civilians, particularly vulnerable populations such as children.
- The call for more air defense systems by Ukrainian officials reflects the ongoing struggle to protect civilian infrastructure and lives amidst relentless attacks. The international community's response will be crucial in shaping the future course of the conflict.
