**Russia’s Drone Assault Continues to Terrorize Ukraine**
In the past 24 hours, Russian attacks have claimed the lives of at least 13 people and injured over 30 across Ukraine. The devastating strikes were carried out using a mix of Shahed-type attack drones and decoy drones launched from Russia and occupied Crimea.
According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russian forces launched an unprecedented number of drone attacks overnight, with 62 drones targeting various regions across the country. Ukrainian air defenses proved effective, shooting down 36 drones over multiple areas. However, six decoy UAVs were lost through electronic warfare, failing to reach their intended targets.
**Civilian Infrastructure and Lives Lost**
In Odesa Oblast, Russian drone strikes hit civilian infrastructure in two districts, causing significant damage and injuries. Three people were injured by shrapnel, explosive blasts, and burns while sheltering in their homes. Local authorities have opened investigations into the strikes as possible war crimes.
A similar scenario unfolded in Kherson Oblast, where a drone strike hit a garbage truck around 9 am, injuring three municipal workers. The men were hospitalized with blast injuries and concussions.
**Massive Attacks on Civilian Areas**
The situation was even more dire in Sumy Oblast, where a drone strike killed nine people and injured seven others on a passenger bus near the town of Bilopillia. Throughout the day, Russian forces launched 85 attacks on 31 settlements in 13 communities, causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure.
In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, drones struck several villages throughout the day, although no casualties were reported. Local authorities issued air raid alerts in parts of the region as a precautionary measure.
**Regional Breakdown**
The attacks also targeted Kharkiv Oblast, where strikes on 10 communities killed one person and injured at least nine others. Governor’s office confirmed that Russian forces used a mix of rockets, guided bombs, Shahed drones, Lancet and Molniya drones, and FPV drones in the attacks.
In Donetsk Oblast, shelling hit 18 towns and villages, resulting in three civilian fatalities and at least 10 injuries. Local authorities evacuated 181 people, including 38 children, from front-line communities as a precautionary measure.
**The Human Cost**
These drone attacks have resulted in significant human suffering and loss of life. As the conflict continues to escalate, it’s essential that we acknowledge the toll it takes on innocent civilians. The Kyiv Independent will continue to provide reliable information on this unfolding crisis, with a focus on highlighting the human cost of Russia’s brutal war.
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