Russian Strikes Result in Civilian Casualties in Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukraine overnight killed at least eight civilians, officials said Thursday, as Moscow's 4½-year-long invasion of its neighbor continues despite renewed appeals for a settlement at this week's U.N. General Assembly. A strike on Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region killed six agricultural workers and wounded 12 others, according to Interior Minister Ihor Vyhivskyi. An attack on the capital Kyiv resulted in the deaths of a man and a woman, while officials in the southern port of Odesa reported a major bombardment. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appealed in a speech at the United Nations late Wednesday for countries to impose sanctions and trade bans on Russia to limit its revenue and ability to sustain the war. Despite years of diplomatic efforts, there is no indication of a breakthrough in ending the conflict, which has affected global food and energy supplies and strained relations between Russia and Western countries. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated Moscow's demand for a comprehensive peace deal, rejecting Ukraine's call for a complete and unconditional ceasefire. Peskov stated, "We believe it's necessary to seek peace, not a temporary truce." The aerial conflict has intensified in recent months, with Russia continuing to launch cruise and ballistic missiles, glide bombs, and drones at Ukraine, while Ukraine targets Russian oil refineries and businesses. The attack on Kyiv damaged over 50 civilian sites, including apartment blocks and a maternity hospital. Civilians have been affected by repeated strikes on various locations, including trains and shopping centers. Valentyna Kolosenko, a Kyiv resident, described her experience during the attacks, stating, "Everything is paralyzed. Nothing works." Liubov Paziuk, a 74-year-old pensioner, expressed her determination to resist the Russian attacks, saying, "We adapt, because we have only one choice: to stay here, on our land, despite everything." Russia's Defense Ministry claimed responsibility for strikes on arms factories and logistical facilities. The United Nations reported that more Ukrainian civilians were killed and wounded in the first eight months of 2026 than in the entire previous year. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized the need for active diplomacy coupled with pressure on Russia. As winter approaches, Zelenskyy warned that conditions may worsen but affirmed Ukraine's commitment to continue fighting. Reports from western Russia indicated Ukrainian long-range attacks, with drone fragments causing damage in the Rostov and Krasnodar regions. Romania's Ministry of National Defense reported a drone violation of its airspace, while Moldova's Ministry of Defense noted increased airspace incursions during Russian attacks on Ukraine. Hatton reported from Lisbon, Portugal, with contributions from Associated Press journalists in Kyiv and England.