In the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, seven lives were lost overnight due to Russian aerial attacks. Local authorities report that two of the victims were children. At least ten individuals sustained injuries.
Five fatalities were discovered amidst the debris of an apartment building struck by a ballistic missile in the Kyivskyi district, according to Kharkiv’s mayor. The building was engulfed in flames following the impact, and there are concerns that individuals may still be trapped under the rubble.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated that a significant portion of the apartment building was destroyed, and the upper floors of a neighboring structure too sustained damage. Rescue teams are actively searching for survivors.
Escalating Attacks and Shifting Tactics
Kyiv and other cities also came under attack overnight, targeted by Russian ballistic missiles and drones. Zelenskyy indicated that these attacks focused on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and railways.
The initial explosions were reported around 1:30 AM, followed by further detonations. Residents of the capital were urged to seek shelter. A nationwide air alert was activated around 3:00 AM.
Kyiv’s mayor reported that the city’s air defense systems were engaged. While no fatalities were reported in Kyiv, at least ten people were injured, including children, according to The Kyiv Independent.
Drone attacks were also reported in the port city of Odesa and the town of Chuhuiv in the Kharkiv region, as reported by The Kyiv Independent. Two individuals were injured in the attack on Chuhuiv.
Zelenskyy stated that Russia deployed a total of 29 projectiles in the attacks, with at least half being ballistic missiles. The attacks also involved approximately 480 drones, primarily Iranian Shahed drones.
Political Tensions and Aid Blockages
These attacks occur amidst a deepening dispute between President Zelenskyy and Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán. Orbán is blocking a 90 billion euro EU loan to Ukraine.
Orbán is using his veto power due to the suspension of Russian oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline, which partially runs through Ukraine. Ukraine claims the pipeline was damaged by a Russian drone strike earlier this year.
Hungary and Slovakia, both reliant on the pipeline, question Ukraine’s claim, suggesting it may be motivated by disrupting Russian revenue streams.
Critics argue that Orbán is misusing his veto for political reasons. Hungary’s elections are scheduled for next month, and Orbán is currently trailing in the polls.
