Six dead, dozens wounded as Russia strikes Ukraine with missiles, drones

Russia launched a wave of missile and drone attacks across Ukraine on Saturday, resulting in at least six deaths and dozens of injuries, officials reported. The assaults targeted multiple cities, including Sumy, Odesa, Kharkiv, and the capital Kyiv, striking civilian areas and infrastructure.

In Sumy, two glide bombs hit a crowded area, including a bus stop, killing four people and wounding 17. Images depicted a destroyed yellow bus with its side ripped open. Earlier in the day, a missile strike on the southern port city of Odesa killed two more people and wounded one. In Kharkiv, a drone struck a civilian enterprise, injuring seven.

Kyiv experienced an overnight attack involving ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones, which wounded 11 people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that civilian infrastructure was hit even before air raid alerts were issued. "Our defenders managed to shoot down most of the targets, but not the ballistic ones," he stated, reiterating his plea for allies to swiftly deliver promised air defense packages.

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Civilian infrastructure was hit even before the air raid alert was issued. Our defenders managed to shoot down most of the targets, but not the ballistic ones.

Ukraine faces a critical shortage of munitions for its air defense systems, particularly for intercepting fast-moving ballistic missiles. The country has urged allies for increased supplies and is pushing for European collaboration on its own anti-ballistic air defense system. President Zelenskyy emphasized the need for these projects to proceed "as swiftly as possible."

Meanwhile, Ukraine has intensified its counter-strikes on Russian military logistics in occupied southern Ukraine. Drone forces reported striking 21 fuel tanker vessels and seven other cargo and support ships in the Sea of Azov overnight, bringing the week's total to 76 vessels. President Zelenskyy stated the aim of these drone campaigns is to pressure Russia towards negotiations, though Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown no public inclination to soften his stance.

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as swiftly as possible