**Russia’s Aerial Assault on Ukraine Leaves 4 Dead, 73 Injured**
In a devastating turn of events, Russian forces launched drone and missile attacks across multiple regions of Ukraine over the past day, resulting in at least four fatalities and 73 injuries. The assaults targeted several areas, including Kharkiv, Donetsk, Odesa, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, and Sumy oblasts.
According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russia deployed a staggering 85 attack drones, including Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and decoy drones, along with one Iskander-M ballistic missile launched from Kursk Oblast. The Ukrainian air defenses successfully shot down 40 drones overnight, while nine others disappeared from radars or were intercepted by electronic warfare.
**Regional Breakdown of Attacks**
* In Kharkiv Oblast, three people were killed and 60 injured, including nine children, following drone strikes on residential buildings in Kharkiv city. Five more people were injured elsewhere in the region.
* In Kherson Oblast, five people were injured in Russian attacks, with a high-rise building and 10 houses damaged.
* In Odesa Oblast, coastal communities were targeted overnight, resulting in damage to summer houses, farm buildings, cars, and civilian boats. No casualties were reported.
* In Donetsk Oblast, one civilian was killed in the town of Raiske, and another person was injured.
* In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Russian forces carried out 419 attacks on 14 settlements, including seven air strikes, 220 drone attacks, and 189 artillery strikes. Two people were injured when a civilian vehicle was hit by a drone in Malokaterynivka.
**A Pattern of Attacks**
The recent onslaught of drone and missile attacks suggests a deliberate strategy to disrupt daily life in Ukraine. By targeting residential areas, infrastructure, and civilian vehicles, Russian forces aim to create fear and uncertainty among the population. The fact that some regions were spared from direct hits does not mean they are immune to the psychological impact of these attacks.
**The Importance of Independent Journalism**
In times of conflict, access to reliable information is crucial. That’s why independent journalism like Kyiv Independent plays a vital role in sharing the truth about Russia’s brutal war on Ukraine. By supporting initiatives like this, you help ensure that accurate reporting can continue, even when it matters most.
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