KYIV, Ukraine – Two individuals lost their lives due to a missile strike on the Ukrainian Black Sea port city of Odesa, as per local officials. The attack occurred amidst ongoing drone and missile exchanges between Moscow and Kyiv. Ukrainian air force reported intercepting 10 out of the 14 drones and one out of three missiles launched by Russia overnight. Odesa’s regional governor, Oleh Kiper, confirmed the casualties as a married couple from the suburbs of Odesa, with another person sustaining injuries during the incident.
Kharkiv faced a tragic incident as at least 28 people were wounded when a Russian aerial bomb hit a multi-story residential building, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov. The Russian Defense Ministry stated that 29 Ukrainian drones were downed over western and southwestern regions without causing any damage from falling debris. Another Ukrainian drone was reported shot down in the western Ryazan region on Sunday. Although both countries engage in cross-border drone attacks, Ukrainian authorities typically refrain from confirming or denying attacks within Russia’s territory.
The recent escalations followed Ukraine’s renewed plea to Western nations on Saturday to authorize the use of long-range missiles provided to them for targeting deeper locations within Russia. This request comes as Ukrainian forces face challenges in halting Russian advancements in eastern Ukraine. Currently, the U.S. has permitted Kyiv to utilize American-provided weapons within a limited area along the border with Russia. Ukrainian officials argue that these weapons are crucial in diminishing Russia’s capacity to target Ukraine, compelling them to relocate their strike capabilities further from the border.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy utilized social media to advocate for a change in the Western stance on the utilization of long-range weapons. He highlighted the substantial Russian military attacks on Ukraine throughout the week, emphasizing the urgent need for robust support from allies to counter Russian aggression. Zelenskyy emphasized the necessity for air defense systems, long-range capabilities, and overall support to empower Ukraine in combating Russian hostilities and bringing an end to the ongoing conflict.
