At least seven people have been killed in Ukraine following Russia’s launch of a series of drone attacks, according to Ukrainian officials.
The attacks hit the Kharkiv, Sumy, Chernihiv, Odesa, and Donetsk regions, as well as the capital, Kyiv.
An apartment building hit by a Russian drone strike in Kyiv, Ukraine. Pic: Reuters
Kyiv’s mayor Vitali Klitschko called the attack “massive” on the Telegram messaging app, stating that emergency services were dispatched to several districts.
Three people, including a 5-year-old child, were killed and 10 others were injured in Kyiv, with the city’s military administration reporting these figures.
Russia launched 147 drones in total across Ukraine, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy describing the strikes on Twitter as a “daily reality” for Ukrainians.
Ukrainian air defences intercepted 97 of the drones in the overnight bombardment.
Kyiv was among several areas targeted in the Russian drone attack. Pic: AP
The attack on Ukraine’s capital comes despite Ukraine and Russia agreeing in principle to a limited ceasefire last week—although they have yet to agree on a mutual framework.
Ceasefire negotiations will begin in Saudi Arabia on Monday, with both nations expected to hold indirect talks mediated by the US in an effort to broker a partial ceasefire after over three years of conflict.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism ahead of the negotiations, stating his belief that Russian President Vladimir Putin desires peace.
The aim is for both sides to concur on halting long-range attacks on energy facilities and civilian infrastructure.
The Ukrainian delegation is anticipated to meet with US officials prior to the indirect talks, which President Zelenskyy has confirmed.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Ministry of Defence reported on Sunday that it had shot down 59 Ukrainian drones overnight—including 29 over Rostov and 20 more over Astrakhan on the Caspian Sea.
Additional drones were_DOWNED over Volgograd, Voronezh, Kursk, Saratov, and Crimea, according to the Ministry.
Yuri Slyusar, the acting governor of Rostov, which borders Ukraine, stated that one person was killed when a car ignited due to a drone strike.
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