**Russian Attacks on Ukraine Leave Devastating Toll**
Over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian civilians have faced a relentless onslaught of Russian attacks across the country. At least nine people were killed and 107 others injured in multiple regions, according to regional officials. The attacks were widespread, with Moscow’s forces targeting residential areas, social infrastructure, and civilian populations.
**Kyiv Bears Brunt of Attacks**
The capital city of Kyiv was hit particularly hard, with Russian forces launching one of the largest missile and drone attacks on the city in recent weeks. At least six people were killed, including a child, while 82 others were injured. The attack also saw five missile impacts recorded, including one that struck a residential building.
**Regional Officials Report Casualties**
In Donetsk Oblast, two civilians were killed and 10 others injured as Russian forces shelled multiple settlements across the front-line region. Kharkiv Oblast also came under heavy fire, with one person killed and seven others injured across seven settlements. In Kherson Oblast, four people were injured after Russian strikes hit residential areas and social infrastructure.
**Injuries Reported in Other Regions**
Sumy Oblast saw nearly 60 attacks on 26 settlements, with two civilians – a woman born in 1950 and a man born in 1988 – injured. In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, a 17-year-old boy and a 64-year-old woman were injured in four Russian strikes, likely carried out using FAB aerial bombs.
**President Zelensky Condemns Attacks**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attacks, saying that they demonstrated Russia’s unwillingness to pursue peace. “Since the night hours, our rescuers, firefighters, medics, and all the necessary emergency services have been working at the sites of Russian missile and drone strikes,” he said.
**Commentary**
The latest wave of attacks by Russian forces on Ukraine is a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict’s devastating human cost. The use of large-scale drone and missile attacks targeting civilian infrastructure and populations is a hallmark of Russia’s military strategy, which has been rejected by Kyiv and its Western allies in favor of an unconditional ceasefire.
**Analysis**
The continuation of such attacks suggests that Moscow remains committed to its current course of action, despite growing international pressure for a peaceful resolution. As President Zelensky noted, the pursuit of peace without strength is impossible, highlighting the need for Ukraine’s Western allies to maintain their support and pressure on Russia to cease hostilities.
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