Russia and Ukraine Exchange Airstrikes Overnight
Russia and Ukraine launched air attacks against each other overnight, resulting in two fatalities across both countries. Officials reported that regions in southern Ukraine, particularly Dnipro, and the northeastern Smie area were subjected to a combination of rocket and drone strikes.
Serhii Lysak, head of the Dnipro Regional Administration, mentioned that at least two individuals lost their lives and five others were injured during the attacks.
In Dnipro city, several multi-storey buildings and businesses sustained damage. Shopping centers in the vicinity were also affected. Meanwhile, the situation in Sammy resulted in injuries to three people.
Kharkiv faced heavy bombardment, as local authorities indicated that Ukraine’s second-largest city experienced a prolonged attack lasting three hours. This included four guided air bombs, two ballistic missiles, and about 15 drones.
In a Telegram update, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov detailed that high-rise apartments, local businesses, and roads were compromised. He reported at least five injuries, including three rescuers hurt in a second strike that targeted them while they were assisting those affected by the initial bombing.
According to reports from the Daily Air Force, Russia directed 208 drones and 27 missiles at Ukraine during the night. Preliminary data indicated that air defense systems intercepted or neutralized 183 drones and 17 missiles, though impacts from 10 missiles and 25 drones were documented across nine areas.
In Russia, officials claimed that Ukrainian drones struck several regions overnight. A drone assault in the Rostov region, which borders Ukraine, resulted in two deaths, as reported by Governor Yuri Slusar.
In the nearby Stavropol area, drones reportedly collided with undisclosed industrial sites. Governor Vladimir Vladimirov noted that while there was a short fire from the attack, he did not provide specific details on the location. He mentioned that mobile internet faced restrictions in the region, a move often viewed as an effort to quell dissent by limiting online criticism.
Unverified media reports included a video from local residents suggesting a drone hit a signal radio plant known for making jamming equipment, but the Associated Press could not confirm this information.
Drones also attempted to target Moscow, but Mayor Sergei Sobianin stated they were intercepted successfully. Additionally, an industrial site in the Penza region, southeast of the capital, was also reportedly struck.
The Russian defense ministry announced that it either shot down or intercepted 24 Ukrainian drones, with incidents occurring in various regions, including Bryansk and Crimea, as well as the Azov and Black Seas.
In response to the threats, Russia’s civil aviation agency, Rosaviatia, suspended flights in and out of several airports serving areas such as Karga, Vladikavkaz, and Grozny in the North Caucasus overnight.
