Zelenskyy vows response after Russian strike kills 24 in Kyiv

Ukraine's air force reported that a Russian aerial assault on Thursday was the largest since the war began, flattening a Kyiv apartment block and killing at least 24 people, including three children. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowed retaliation, stating that strikes on Russia's oil industry and military production facilities are "entirely justified." He discussed long-range strike plans with officials and alleged Russia was preparing attacks on over 20 decision-making centers in Ukraine. On Friday, Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack targeting energy and military infrastructure in several Russian regions, resulting in at least four deaths in Ryazan. The article also notes a prisoner of war exchange between the two countries, with each side releasing 205 individuals.

Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack on several Russian regions, including the Ryazan oil refinery, following three days of intense Russian strikes on Ukraine. The Ukrainian attack occurred as the death toll from a Russian missile strike on a Kyiv apartment building rose to 24, including three children. This escalation comes as the Council of Europe moves towards establishing a war crimes court to try Russia's leadership for its aggression. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy visited the site of the destroyed building, emphasizing the need for increased pressure on Russia and strengthened air defenses. Russia had previously launched over 1,500 drones and dozens of missiles across Ukraine in consecutive attacks this week.

Following the expiration of a ceasefire, Russia launched extensive drone attacks across 14 Ukrainian regions on Tuesday and into Wednesday, resulting in at least 13 fatalities and numerous injuries. Attacks targeted residential areas, civilian infrastructure including railway facilities, and a gas processing plant in Russia. Ukraine's air force reported intercepting 111 out of 139 Russian drones launched in 24 hours, but acknowledged 20 direct hits. Ukrainian intelligence warned of potentially protracted strikes, possibly followed by missile attacks. Russia, in turn, claimed to have intercepted 286 Ukrainian drones over its own territory and Crimea.

Ukrainian forces launched a drone attack on the Russian Baltic Sea port of Primorsk, a major oil-exporting hub, causing a fire that was extinguished without an oil spill. Simultaneously, President Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian forces also struck two "shadow fleet" tankers near the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, which he claimed were used for oil transport. These attacks occurred amidst ongoing accusations between Ukraine and Russia of civilian casualties from overnight air raids. The Primorsk attack highlights Ukraine's continued efforts to target Russian energy infrastructure, while the Novorossiysk incident demonstrates Ukraine's expanding long-range strike capabilities. Both nations have been engaged in frequent drone attacks throughout the conflict.

Ukraine has escalated its aerial attacks, targeting Russian oil storage, ports, and refineries deep within Russia, including strikes in the Urals region, over the past week. President Zelenskyy announced this marks a "new stage" in Ukraine's use of weapons to disrupt Russia's war capabilities. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) confirmed striking a strategically important oil pumping and distribution facility in Perm, which reportedly resulted in widespread fires. Russia's Ministry of Defence acknowledged the strikes and reported downing numerous Ukrainian drones. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov condemned these attacks as "terrorist attacks," and Russia has cited the "current operational situation" as a reason for scaling back its Victory Day parade. This campaign aims to reduce Russia's oil revenue, with Ukraine claiming to have significantly impacted oil offloading ports.

At least 16 people have died in strikes across Ukraine, Russian-occupied territory, and Russia in the past day. This coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, which has amplified concerns about the risks of attacks near the plant during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned on Sunday that Russian actions, including the use of Iranian-designed drones, could lead to a repeat of a man-made disaster. He noted that these drones have flown over the plant and one struck its confinement last year. The article highlights the heightened nuclear risks associated with the conflict, particularly as the anniversary draws attention to the potential for catastrophic events.

Russia has claimed a Ukrainian drone attack killed a worker at the captured Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Simultaneously, Ukrainian officials reported that Russian drone attacks on Odesa injured at least 11 people, including two children, and damaged homes, infrastructure, and the port. Odesa's governor stated that the attacks affected multiple districts, hitting residential buildings, civilian facilities, and the funicular railway. In the Zaporizhzhia region, Ukrainian Governor Ivan Fedorov reported a civilian death and hundreds of Russian strikes across settlements. Russia also reported Ukrainian drone attacks in its Belgorod border region, resulting in one death and injuries.