Russia conducts largest air assault of the war on Ukraine, igniting flames in a government building

In a series of intensified attacks, Russia targeted various regions in Ukraine overnight, causing significant damage and casualties. The assault affected multiple cities, including Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih, Odesa, Sumy, Chernihiv, and the capital, Kyiv.

The main government building in Kyiv was set on fire during the attack, with thick smoke rising from the burning top floor. Residential apartments in the city were also hit, and a four-story apartment building in the Darnytskyi district was damaged, resulting in the tragic deaths of an infant and a young woman. More than 20 people were reported wounded in the attacks on the capital.

Several floors of a nine-story residential building were partially destroyed in Kyiv's Sviatoshynskyi district. Falling drone debris set off fires in a 16-story apartment building and two more nine-story buildings in the city, causing further damage and panic.

In the southern city of Odesa, civilian infrastructure and residential buildings were damaged, with fires breaking out in several apartment blocks, and three people were wounded. The nation responsible for these massive attacks was identified as Russia, which targeted residential buildings, civil infrastructure, a train station, and gas pipelines in Odesa.

Russian strikes on Kryvyi Rih, also in central Ukraine, targeted transport and urban infrastructure but no injuries were reported. Elsewhere, the city of Kremenchuk experienced dozens of explosions, cutting power to some residents and damaging a bridge across the Dnipro River.

Ukraine's military was also active, attacking the Druzhba oil pipeline in Russia's Bryansk region, causing comprehensive fire damage.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attack as a deliberate crime and a prolongation of the war, issuing a fresh appeal to allies to strengthen Ukrainian air defenses. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that the Russian attack on Kyiv's government showed that attempts to appease Russia made no sense.

In response to the attacks, Ukraine's defense ministry plans a new meeting with allies next week to discuss air defenses and supplies for deep strikes on Russia. The country is also targeting Russia's vast energy complex as part of a strategy to weaken its financial backbone and help end the war.

Despite the escalating tensions, both sides deny targeting civilians in the attack. Ukrainian defense units were able to down 751 drones and four missiles during the attack, indicating a strong resistance from the Ukrainian forces.

As the situation continues to evolve, the international community is closely monitoring the developments and offering support to Ukraine in its efforts to defend its sovereignty and protect its citizens.

Russia conducts largest air assault of the war on Ukraine, igniting flames in a government building