Russia launches massive drone strike on Ukraine, killing four
Over the course of last night, Russia launched a large-scale aerial attack on Ukraine, deploying more than 170 drones, including over 100 of the "Shahed" type, targeting the regions of Dnipropetrovsk, Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Khmelnytskyi.
According to Ukrainian authorities, four people were killed in the bombings, and 21 others were injured, including a pregnant woman. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the city of Dnipro was heavily impacted, with numerous homes, garages, a service station, and a hotel and restaurant complex either damaged or completely destroyed.
"Unfortunately, destruction occurred in every region targeted. Sincere thanks to all those helping on the ground after such attacks, saving lives, providing medical assistance, and clearing debris," Zelensky said.
Zelensky also stated that Russia is mocking the world's peace efforts by prolonging the war and committing acts of terror, as it still does not feel real pressure: "Diplomacy can yield results, but only if it is backed by actions that strengthen our army and deprive the occupiers of war resources. Our partners know what is needed to help, what kind of pressure is required, and this depends on the U.S., Europe, and everyone around the world who wants effective diplomacy," the Ukrainian president added.
Massive drone strike on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro
On Friday, Ukrainian energy operator Naftogaz accused Russia of bombing unspecified facilities, while Russia, in turn, accused Ukraine of several attacks on its energy infrastructure, including the destruction of a key gas pipeline station in the city of Sudja, in the Kursk region, as reported by Reuters and AFP.
The Ukrainian operator reported that the Russian bombing damaged "gas production facilities," without additional details. According to Ukrainian media, Russian drone and missile strikes have been targeting oil and natural gas facilities in the Poltava (central) and Kharkiv (northeast) regions for several months, leading to Ukraine losing 40% of its natural gas production capacity and forcing it to import substantial amounts of gas next winter.
Meanwhile, Russia accused Ukraine of effectively destroying a key gas pipeline facility in Sudja, Russia, which had been used to export Russian gas to Europe until Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky halted its transit through the Ukrainian section of the pipeline on January 1. Sudja was a key position held by the Ukrainian army during the offensive launched in August in Russia's Kursk region and was recaptured by Russian forces this month.
The Russian Ministry of Defense, which on Friday accused Ukraine of violating the energy ceasefire for the second day in a row, also reported other Ukrainian attacks on energy infrastructure, including a drone strike on an electrical facility in the Bryansk region and artillery shelling of a transformer in the same region.
The accusations from both sides have not been verified by independent sources.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
