**Civilians Suffer Heavy Losses as Russia Continues Aerial Attacks on Ukraine**
In a devastating escalation of violence, Russian attacks across Ukraine have resulted in the deaths of at least nine civilians and injuries to at least 49 others, including children, over the past day. The attacks come as Ukrainian and Russian officials are set to hold a second round of peace talks in Istanbul later today.
The latest wave of Russian aggression follows a significant strike by Ukrainian forces that allegedly destroyed or damaged one-third of Russia’s strategic aviation fleet on June 2. In response, Russia launched a barrage of 80 Shahed-type attack drones and decoys, as well as three Iskander-M or KN-23 ballistic missiles and one Iskander-K cruise missile.
Ukrainian air defenses managed to shoot down 15 drones, while another 37 were intercepted by electronic warfare systems or disappeared from radar screens. The attacks caused significant damage in several regions, including Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, where three men aged 51, 68, and 72 were injured.
**Regional Breakdown of the Attacks**
In Donetsk Oblast, one person was killed and three others were injured in Kostiantynivka. Another civilian was injured by a Russian strike in Hryshyne. The attacks also caused damage to a medical facility, a fire department, and a shop.
Kharkiv Oblast suffered heavily from drone attacks, a ballistic missile, and other weaponry. Twelve people, including two children, were injured in the region, with six of them being hurt in Kharkiv itself.
In Kherson Oblast, three people were killed and 19 others were injured, including two children. Three high-rise buildings, seven houses, warehouses, and other properties were damaged. A 65-year-old man and a 60-year-old woman were hospitalized following a Russian drone attack in Mykolaiv Oblast.
Russian attacks across Zaporizhzhia Oblast resulted in the deaths of five people and injuries to nine others. The region was targeted by missiles, aerial bombs, drones, and other weapons.
A large-scale fire broke out on the premises of a production facility in Chernihiv Oblast after a Russian attack.
**The Human Toll**
The civilian casualties are a stark reminder of the devastating impact of Russia’s ongoing aggression on Ukraine. As the country continues to bear the brunt of these attacks, it is essential that the international community remains vigilant and committed to supporting Ukraine in its efforts to protect its people and territory.
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