In a shocking escalation of hostilities, Russia has launched a massive drone attack on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, as confirmed by Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. The assault has not only targeted the capital but also hit a maternity ward in Odesa, leading to significant devastation and loss of life.
In Odesa, the drone attack specifically targeted medical facilities and residential buildings, resulting in the tragic death of a 59-year-old man and injuring four others, according to Governor Oleh Kiper's statement on Telegram. The attack underscores the ongoing threat to civilian infrastructure and highlights the dire situation facing residents in conflict zones.
In the capital, emergency services were deployed across four districts shortly after midnight on Tuesday. Mayor Klitschko utilized the Telegram messaging app to urge residents to remain vigilant and seek shelter. The urgency of the situation was amplified by air raid alerts that were issued across large parts of Ukraine, including the Donetsk, Luhansk, and Kharkiv regions in the east, as shown on the country’s official air raid map.
This wave of attacks comes closely on the heels of Russia's largest drone strike on Ukraine, which occurred on Monday. Moscow has characterized this recent strike as a retaliatory measure in response to Ukraine's recent attacks inside Russian territory. Following a covert operation named Operation Spider's Web, which targeted air bases deep within Russia on June 1, US President Donald Trump engaged in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump noted that Putin had promised a "strong" response to such attacks.
Kyiv Mayor Klitschko has warned residents to stay in shelters as the attack on the capital continues. The head of Kyiv's military administration, Timur Tkachenko, reported on Telegram that the attacks on various districts occurred simultaneously, resulting in debris from downed drones falling on multiple buildings throughout the city. This led to fires in both residential buildings and warehouses, creating a chaotic and dangerous environment for residents.
In Odesa, Governor Kiper reported that patients and staff were able to evacuate the targeted medical station and maternity ward before the full extent of the attack unfolded. However, ambulances were damaged during the assault, complicating the situation for those needing immediate medical assistance. The identity of the 59-year-old victim has not yet been made public.
This drone attack comes amid a complex backdrop of humanitarian efforts, including a prisoner swap that began on Monday. This exchange aims to return sick and severely wounded prisoners of war, those under the age of 25, along with the bodies of 12,000 soldiers. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the exchange as a complicated process involving several stages and sensitive details.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in profound human suffering, and the situation remains fluid as both sides navigate the complexities of war. As the world watches, the resilience of the Ukrainian people continues to be tested in these challenging times.
