Zelenskyy says Russian strikes kill 22 as Ukraine targets strategic sites in Russia

International

KYIV, Ukraine (NPA) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says at least 22 people, including children, were killed in a wave of Russian missile and drone attacks that struck several parts of Ukraine.

Zelenskyy described the latest bombardment as a difficult day for the country, noting that Russia deployed numerous ballistic missiles and drones in the attacks.

“Air-raid alerts remain active across various regions, and once again we are facing aerial threats. Just today, Russian strikes have taken 22 lives in Kyiv and Dnipro, including children,” he said.

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The Ukrainian leader said his government was doing everything possible to protect civilians, cities and communities from continued attacks.

He also expressed gratitude to international partners, particularly Italy, for their support.

“We deeply value that you care, that you want peace for us, and see the defence of Ukraine’s independence and freedom as your cause. Together, we will certainly achieve this,” Zelenskyy said.

Meanwhile, Ukraine said it had carried out a series of long-range drone strikes on strategic targets inside Russia in response to the attacks.

According to Zelenskyy, the operation targeted key facilities linked to Russia’s war effort, including the St. Petersburg Oil Terminal, located about 1,100 kilometres from Ukraine’s border.

He added that military targets at the Kronstadt naval base were also struck during the operation.

Ukraine further reported striking an enterprise in Russia’s Tambov region involved in the production of military equipment. The facility is located nearly 600 kilometres from the frontline.

Zelenskyy praised Ukrainian security and defence forces for the operation, describing it as part of the country’s long-range strategy aimed at weakening Russia’s military capabilities.

“Thank you to our warriors for their precision. The Ukrainian plan for long-range sanctions is being carried out exactly as it should be to bring us closer to peace,” he said.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began with Moscow’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, has continued to intensify with both sides increasingly targeting military and strategic infrastructure far from the frontlines.