Russian Drone Attacks Result in Civilian Casualties in Ukraine
Overnight drone strikes launched by Russian forces targeted Ukrainian cities Pryluky and Kharkiv, causing significant casualties and damage to residential areas. The attacks have heightened tensions amid faltering peace negotiations in Istanbul.
Casualties and Damage in Pryluky
The northern Ukrainian city of Pryluky suffered a deadly drone strike early Thursday morning, resulting in the deaths of five individuals, including a one-year-old child. In addition to the fatalities, six people were seriously injured and are currently receiving hospital treatment. The attack caused substantial damage to residential buildings in the area.
Kharkiv Hit by Multiple Drone Strikes
Hours after the Pryluky assault, the eastern city of Kharkiv experienced drone strikes targeting two apartment complexes in the Slobidskyi district around 1:05 am local time. The attacks injured at least 17 civilians, encompassing children, a pregnant woman, and a 93-year-old resident. Several private vehicles were set ablaze as a consequence of the strikes.
The regional governor of Kharkiv condemned the strikes as tactics of "insidious terror," emphasizing the attacks occurred during nighttime hours when residents were asleep.
Broader Military Context
Amid these events, Russian military authorities reported a separate series of drone attacks targeting five airfields within Russia, including Murmansk, Irkutsk, Ivanovo, Ryazan, and Amur. The incidents, occurring approximately 4,000 kilometers from Ukraine, caused fires at the Murmansk and Irkutsk locations. There were no reported casualties, as other attacks were successfully repelled. Ukrainian officials have not confirmed involvement in these strikes.
Peace Talks and Continued Hostilities
Following the drone attacks, delegations from Ukraine and Russia convened in Istanbul for a second round of peace negotiations within a fortnight. However, Russia refused to commit to an unconditional ceasefire, prolonging hostilities between the two nations.
These developments have occurred in the shadow of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s warning to former U.S. President Donald Trump of retaliation after drone attacks on Russian military targets, underscoring the escalation in military engagements.
