KYIV – In a relentless overnight assault, Russia unleashed a massive aerial attack on Ukraine, targeting civilian areas and resulting in the tragic loss of at least 16 lives while injuring over 80 individuals. This offensive marks the most intense barrage in nearly two weeks, Ukrainian officials reported on Thursday.

According to Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Russia deployed a formidable arsenal of nearly 700 drones alongside dozens of ballistic and cruise missiles, with the primary aim of striking civilian zones. Sybiha conveyed this information via a post on X.

The capital city of Kyiv was among the hardest hit, where the attack claimed the lives of four individuals, including a 12-year-old child. More than 50 others suffered injuries in this onslaught, as detailed by Sybiha.

The southern port city of Odesa also faced severe consequences, with nine fatalities and 23 injuries reported. In addition, three individuals lost their lives in the central Dnipro region, accompanied by around three dozen injuries. Zaporizhzhia in the south reported one casualty.

Sybiha expressed grave concern, stating, “Such attacks cannot be normalized. These are war crimes that must be stopped, and their perpetrators held accountable,” emphasizing the urgent need for action in his message on X.

Despite the ferocity of the attack, Ukraine’s air force reported a significant defensive effort, successfully neutralizing 667 out of 703 incoming threats. This included the interception of 636 Shahed-type drones and various other unmanned aerial vehicles.

It said 20 strike drones and 12 missiles hit 26 locations.

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