Dnipro Under Attack: Ten Lives Lost as Conflict Intensifies
DNIPRO/KYIV: The southeastern city of Dnipro faced relentless attacks from Russian forces on Saturday, involving drones and missiles that struck multiple areas, resulting in the deaths of ten individuals and leaving many others wounded.
Authorities reported that Dnipro experienced at least three distinct attacks throughout the night and day. Regional Governor Oleksandr Hanzha confirmed that eight people lost their lives, and 49 others were injured in the city, which has been a target during the ongoing conflict that has lasted over four years.
In a devastating overnight strike, a significant portion of an apartment building collapsed, claiming four lives, according to Hanzha’s statement. The area was targeted once more while rescuers were actively searching for survivors, leading to one additional death and several injuries.
“Dnipro was attacked in waves for more than 20 terrifying hours,” Hanzha noted in a Telegram message. “The strikes were intentional, targeting residential neighborhoods.”
Just before midnight, another attack sparked a fire at an infrastructure site, and images emerged showing firefighters combating the flames.
Ukraine’s air force reported that Russian forces unleashed 619 drones and 47 missiles during the night, but they managed to intercept 580 drones and 30 missiles. Additionally, Moscow has been conducting overnight drone assaults, mixing smaller barrages with occasional larger strikes.
In the early hours, dense clouds of smoke filled the air, raising concerns about air quality in the area. A Reuters reporter captured a moment when a Russian drone was shot down above the damaged apartment building as rescuers worked through the debris.
The Russian Defence Ministry stated that they targeted military and energy facilities during these assaults.
Residents in Mourning
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko expressed her sorrow, saying, “Russia continues to extend its terror against our people, aiming specifically at critical infrastructures and residential areas.”
In Dnipro, the emotional toll on residents was apparent. Aliona Katrushova, a 37-year-old woman living nearby, expressed her despair: “As they rest comfortably in their warm beds in Russia, we watch as they ‘liberate’ us from our homes.”
For her husband, Oleh, Saturday was supposed to be a celebration of his birthday, but instead, the couple faced the aftermath of a devastating attack. “It feels like we’ve been given a second chance,” he shared, though their home sustained damage.
In the northern Chernihiv region, missile and drone strikes claimed two lives and injured seven others, according to local officials. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy emphasized the need for immediate support from allies, stating, “Every strike reminds us that we need to strengthen our air defenses urgently.”
While drone fragments from the conflict damaged infrastructure in NATO-member Romania, no casualties were reported. In turn, Ukraine has ramped up drone activities against Russian territory, with reports of strikes causing minor injuries in Yekaterinburg and claiming three lives in Luhansk.
The ongoing conflict continues to escalate, raising urgent calls for action from partners and allies alike.
