At Least Seven Killed in Recent Aerial Strikes Between Russia and Ukraine

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – Russian attacks resulted in the deaths of four individuals across Ukraine on Saturday, according to officials, as aerial conflict between Moscow and Kyiv escalates. Russia has utilized cruise and ballistic missiles, glide bombs, and drones while front-line advances have slowed, nearly 4½ years after the full-scale invasion began. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated, "It is essential that our partners not forget: Russia is escalating every single day. If the Russians have chosen to make their strikes even more brutal, the world must choose stronger responses to keep the war from spreading further." He reported numerous strikes on residential areas in Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, Sumy, and Kharkiv regions. In Zaporizhzhia, two women died when they were trapped under the rubble of their collapsed home, as reported by the regional military administration. Additionally, a separate attack in Sumy resulted in two fatalities, according to local officials. Zelenskyy previously urged the United Nations to impose sanctions and trade bans on Russia to limit its financial resources for the war. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, no significant progress has been made towards ending the conflict. In response, Ukraine has targeted Russian oil refineries and businesses with long-range drones. A drone strike in the southern Krasnodar region resulted in three deaths and two injuries, as reported by local officials. Regional Governor Veniamin Kondratyev noted that the attack caused fires at two industrial sites, but did not provide further details. Russian media later indicated that an oil refinery was among the targets. In the Kyiv region, two individuals were injured in an overnight drone attack that ignited a fire at a warehouse in Boryspil district. Russian drones also struck several areas in Kyiv, injuring four and damaging both residential and office buildings, according to officials. Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed that its attack on Kyiv damaged a data center that supported cellphone internet services and Starlink satellite communications.