**Ukraine Suffers Heavy Losses as Russian Attacks Continue**
A devastating night of Russian attacks across Ukraine has left at least six civilians dead and 49 others injured, including a teenage boy. The latest wave of violence comes as the international community is increasingly focused on finding ways to punish Russia for its actions.
The worst-hit regions were Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia, where Russian forces launched 58 Shahed-type attack drones and decoys. Ukrainian defenses managed to shoot down 12 of these drones, while another 18 disappeared from radar or were intercepted by electronic warfare systems.
In Chernihiv Oblast, a 68-year-old woman was injured in a drone attack on a village in the Snovsk community. In Nikopol, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, a 63-year-old man was killed and two others were injured when Russian forces attacked the area.
The situation is particularly dire in Kherson Oblast, where two people were killed and 34 others injured in Russian attacks. Sumy Oblast also saw heavy casualties, with one person killed and another injured in a drone attack on the Bilopillia community.
**Russia’s Continued Aggression**
Despite international pressure to stop its aggression, Russia continues to launch attacks on Ukrainian civilians. The use of Shahed-type drones is particularly worrying, as they are often employed to target residential areas and civilian infrastructure.
The European Union has been vocal in its condemnation of Russian actions, with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas calling for the oil price cap on Russian crude to be lowered further. This move aims to reduce Russia’s revenue from oil sales and put pressure on the country’s economy.
**International Reaction**
The international community is increasingly united in its condemnation of Russian aggression. The US has signaled its willingness to support Ukraine, with U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg set to meet Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko soon.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also received backing from Western leaders, who have pledged increased military support and new aid packages using frozen Russian assets. The EU and its allies are ready to toughen sanctions on Russia, French President Emmanuel Macron said at the G7 summit.
**A Just Peace for Ukraine**
As tensions continue to rise, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to supporting Ukraine until a just peace is achieved. However, not everyone is convinced that diplomatic efforts will be successful, with some experts warning of reluctance from Israel and other countries to pursue a peaceful resolution.
**The Human Cost**
The attacks have left many civilians injured or dead. In Kyiv alone, at least 23 people were killed and 134 others injured in a mass Russian missile and drone attack overnight on June 17. The situation is dire, with several people hospitalized for blast trauma and shrapnel wounds.
As the conflict continues to escalate, it’s clear that Ukraine will need sustained international support to withstand Russia’s aggression.
