Russia launched 91 projectiles overnight into Ukraine

On Tuesday, Ukraine reported that its air defense systems successfully intercepted five missiles and 60 attack drones during a second consecutive night of Russian aerial assaults, which resulted in the deaths of four people. These overnight strikes followed a massive Russian aerial bombardment the previous day, which targeted energy infrastructure and resulted in several casualties.

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia launched a total of 91 projectiles overnight, including 10 missiles and 81 Iranian-designed attack drones from various regions within Russia. The effectiveness of Ukraine’s air defense systems was noted, yet President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on social media that, despite these efforts, four individuals were killed and 16 others were injured.

In his statement, Zelensky indicated that rescue operations were underway at the affected sites and emphasized that Russia’s actions would not go unanswered. “Crimes against humanity cannot be committed with impunity,” he asserted.

Throughout the night, AFP journalists in Kyiv reported hearing air raid sirens and explosions, likely from the city’s air defense systems. Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the country has frequently carried out large-scale drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, often targeting critical energy facilities.

Local authorities revealed earlier on Tuesday that two individuals were killed in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region and another two in Kryvyi Rig, a central city, after a missile struck a hotel. This incident follows a recent missile attack on a hotel in Kramatorsk, where a safety advisor for Reuters was killed.

These ongoing attacks underscore the severity of the conflict and the persistent threat faced by Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.