Overnight Russian Strikes in Kyiv Leave 11 Injured, Including a Child
Wertynews.com – At least 11 individuals, including a child, were hurt during a series of missile and drone attacks launched by Russia on Kyiv early Saturday, reported by Ukraine’s State Emergency Service. The strikes targeted multiple districts, causing explosions and fires that disrupted infrastructure in the region.
Ukrainian Counterattack on Russian Vessels
Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces conducted an operation targeting Russian ships in the Sea of Azov, damaging 21 oil and petroleum transport tankers. Additional vessels, such as four tugboats, two cargo ships, and one dredging vessel, were also affected. These ships are critical for military logistics, the General Staff noted in a statement.
“The attack significantly impacted Russia’s supply chain operations,” said Ukraine’s General Staff in a statement.
Russian Claims and Defense Ministry Reports
Russian officials stated that one sailor was killed during the drone assault, citing local Governor Yuri Slyusar. The victim was on a technical support vessel, and the four targeted ships, including a methanol transporter, suffered only minor damage. However, Zelenskyy reported that Russia deployed 12 missiles and 121 drones overnight, emphasizing Ukraine’s challenges in intercepting ballistic weapons.
“Most of the drones were neutralized, but none of the ballistic missiles were downed,” stated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Defensive Efforts and Damage Assessment
Ukrainian air defenses managed to destroy or disable two missiles and 111 drones, according to their reports. Despite this, the Air Force confirmed direct hits from ballistic missiles, guided air-to-surface missiles, and seven attack drones at 11 locations across Kyiv. Debris from intercepted weapons was found at three extra sites.
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed its forces focused on striking Kyiv’s drone production facilities and ports in Izmail and Chornomorsk, part of Ukraine’s Odesa region. They also reported that Russian air defenses shot down 178 Ukrainian drones during the same period, covering eight regions, the Crimean Peninsula, and the Black and Azov seas.
