Overnight, Ukraine faced a massive aerial assault as Russian forces launched a barrage of drones and missiles, targeting cities and critical...
Overnight, Ukraine faced a massive aerial assault as Russian forces launched a barrage of drones and missiles, targeting cities and critical infrastructure across the country. The attacks resulted in injuries to civilians and significant damage to residential areas and essential facilities.
Attacks in the Chernihiv Region
The northern Chernihiv region, specifically the city of Nizhyn, experienced intense shelling late Wednesday. Local authorities reported that Russian drones began targeting settlements around 7 pm local time. The strikes resulted in injuries to two individuals, who were subsequently hospitalized. The attacks also damaged two residential buildings and several vehicles.
Emergency responders reported that the roof of one of the targeted buildings partially collapsed, compromising its structural integrity and posing a significant risk to residents. Viacheslav Chaus, the regional head of the Chernihiv Military Administration, asserted that the attacks deliberately targeted civilian areas. He further stated that Russian drones also targeted logistics centers responsible for supplying the region with essential resources like water and power, in an apparent attempt to intimidate the local population.
Sumy Region Under Fire
The city of Sumy and its surrounding region also endured a heavy bombardment, with reports indicating more than 135 strikes across over three dozen different settlements. These attacks resulted in injuries to four people.
Police reports indicate that an apartment building, six residences, a business, and numerous vehicles sustained damage during the strikes. Local authorities also confirmed that critical and industrial infrastructure facilities were targeted.
Donetsk Region: Kostiantynivka Targeted
The settlement of Kostiantynivka, located in the Donetsk region of eastern Donbas, was also struck overnight into Thursday. This area has been a primary target for Russian forces in recent weeks, as the Kremlin seeks to solidify its control in the Donbas, which has been one of the most active frontlines since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
Despite the ongoing fighting and shelling, Ukrainian officials are continuing to organize evacuations for trapped residents. On Thursday, officials reported the successful evacuation of several families, including children aged 8 and 13.
Zelenskyy Condemns "Double Terror" Strategy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy strongly condemned the Kremlin for the strikes, describing the new wave of attacks as a strategy of "double terror."
"There is confirmation that the Russians are using double terror – attacking with 'Shaheds' carrying cluster munitions and launching repeated strikes to injure firefighters and energy workers who are restoring damaged facilities," Zelenskyy stated on social media.
Zelenskyy reported that over 300 drones and more than 37 missiles of various types, including ballistic missiles, were launched in the attack. He reiterated the need for increased pressure on the Kremlin to end the ongoing invasion, emphasizing that it is the "only language" that Russian President Vladimir Putin understands.
"Putin has turned a deaf ear to everything the world says, so the only language that can still get through to him is the language of pressure – pressure through sanctions and pressure through long-range capabilities," Zelenskyy asserted. He also urged European and Western lawmakers to make "strong decisions” to establish a peace momentum in Europe.
Ukraine Strikes Back: Targeting Russian Energy Sector
While facing intense attacks, Ukraine has also been actively targeting Russia's energy sector deep within its territory. Kyiv announced on Thursday that it had struck an oil refinery in Russia's western Saratov region.
Ukraine's Special Operations Forces (SSO) confirmed the strike, stating that it inflicted significant damage on the refinery, which was also targeted a month prior on September 16.
The SSO stated, "The Saratov Refinery is one of the oldest Russian oil refining enterprises, formerly known as the Cracking Plant, and is part of the Rosneft oil company." They further added, "The volume of oil processing as of 2020 is 7.2 million tonnes, and in 2023 it is 4.8 million tonnes.”
Key Takeaways from the Attacks:
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Widespread Damage: The Russian attacks caused significant damage to residential buildings, infrastructure, and vehicles across multiple regions of Ukraine.
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Civilian Casualties: Several civilians were injured in the attacks, highlighting the human cost of the ongoing conflict.
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Targeting of Critical Infrastructure: The attacks specifically targeted logistics centers and energy infrastructure, aiming to disrupt essential services and intimidate the population.
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"Double Terror" Strategy: President Zelenskyy accused Russia of employing a "double terror" strategy, using cluster munitions and repeated strikes to maximize damage and casualties.
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Call for Increased Pressure: Zelenskyy reiterated the need for increased international pressure on Russia to end the invasion, including sanctions and long-range capabilities.
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Ukrainian Retaliation: Ukraine has demonstrated its capability to strike back by targeting Russia's energy sector, specifically oil refineries.
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