Five Killed in Russian Strikes on Donetsk and Kherson

Civilian Casualties and Infrastructure Damage in Ukrainian Cities

At least five civilians were killed and 10 others injured in the Donetsk and Kherson oblasts of Ukraine due to Russian shelling, according to local authorities. The attacks targeted several cities, resulting in significant damage to residential areas and critical infrastructure. In Donetsk Oblast, three victims were reported in the settlements of Andriivka, Novohryhorivka, and Myrnohrad. Seven people were injured in the region, with two each in Andriivka, Novohryhorivka, and Pokrovsk, and one in Rivne. In Kherson Oblast, two people were killed and three injured.

Russian military forces reportedly focused their attacks on residential neighborhoods and essential facilities, including social infrastructure. Six homes and five apartment buildings were damaged, while a petrol station and garage were also hit, causing several vehicles to be destroyed. These strikes highlight the increasing intensity of Russia’s campaign to expand its control over Ukrainian territory.

The ongoing conflict has seen a surge in long-range attacks across multiple Ukrainian cities. Just days before, Russia launched what was then the largest aerial assault of the war, with around 550 drones and missiles targeting various regions. This escalation has led to widespread destruction and disruption across the country.

Kyiv Endures Largest Aerial Assault Since War Began

On Friday, Kyiv experienced another massive aerial assault, marking the largest such attack since the war began over three years ago. The seven-hour bombardment caused severe damage to multiple districts of the capital. Explosions lit up the night sky, and air raid sirens echoed through the city as emergency services scrambled to respond. Blue lights from ambulances reflected off high-rise buildings, and debris blocked city streets.

Alya Shahlai, a 23-year-old wedding photographer from Kyiv, described the devastation at her home. “We were all in the basement shelter because it was so loud; staying home would have been suicidal,” she told The Associated Press. “We went down 10 minutes before, and then there was a loud explosion, and the lights went out in the shelter; people were panicking.”

Emergency services faced significant challenges during the attack, with five ambulances damaged while responding to calls. Over 300 tons of rubble were removed from the city. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the night as “harsh and sleepless.” The attack resulted in two deaths and at least 26 injuries, including a child.

Zelenskyy and Trump Discuss Defense and Aid

Following the attack, Zelenskyy had a “very important and productive” phone call with former U.S. President Donald Trump. The discussion focused on strengthening Ukrainian air defenses, potential joint weapons production between the U.S. and Ukraine, and broader efforts to end the war with Russia. However, concerns were raised about the Trump administration’s pause in military aid shipments, including crucial air defense missiles.

When questioned about the call, Trump stated, “We had a very good call, I think.” When asked how to stop the bloodshed, he responded, “I don’t know, I can’t tell you whether or not that’s going to happen.”

Russian Airports Halt Flights Amid Drone Threats

Meanwhile, Russia’s Rosaviatsia aviation authority announced that several airports had suspended flights due to safety concerns related to Ukrainian drone strikes. The move comes as Ukraine continues to disrupt Russian logistics through its drone program, which has increasingly impacted civilian air travel.

Ukraine also claimed responsibility for striking a Russian airbase, reporting that it hit a glide bomb storage facility and a trainer military aircraft. The airfield is reportedly home to enemy Su-34, Su-35S, and Su-30SM aircraft, highlighting the growing threat posed by Ukrainian drone operations.