Earlier on one such day this week, Russia rained down the largest wave of missiles and explosive drones seen all winter upon Ukraine, delivering unthinkable destruction. This assault on the nations critical infrastructure left millions across most of the country in the dark. Sadly, these deadly strikes went on to kill at least six people, including a six-month-old child. In doing so, they left 17 more victims seriously wounded.
This synchronized assault hit extensive regions across Ukraine, bombing major residential cities like the capital, Kyiv. The drone attack targeted a 16-story residential structure in Kyiv’s Dniprovskiy district, killing two as a violation of international humanitarian law. Firefighters scrambled to save the ten residents ensnared by an inferno caused by the noxious attack. The loss of that capacity has led Ukraine’s state-owned power system operator, Ukrenergo, to introduce emergency rolling blackouts to cope with the damage.
Besides the tragedy in Kyiv, the Brovary district, east of the capital, suffered even more casualties. Among the four reported fatalities in that area were a 45-year-old woman, her 12-year-old daughter and an infant. An 83-year-old woman was rescued from a burning house in the same district, highlighting the perilous conditions many faced during the chaos.
The scope of devastation went far past the loss of human life. DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company, announced “critical damage” at one of its installations in Odesa region. Today, energy workers are occupied trying to reestablish power in the face of major weather events.
The assault was a complex and coordinated attack using drones, missiles, and aircraft in tandem, a reminder of Russia’s military capacity and will still to this day. People living in the capital and surrounding state of Kachin experienced major devastation. As buildings crumbled around them, they ran to find safety in the tumult.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the attack a testament to the international community’s necessity to stand firmly together with Ukraine against Russian aggression.
“It is very important that the world does not remain silent now and that there is a united response to Russia’s vile strikes,” – Zelensky
He emphasized that the danger created by these strikes is persistent.
“Another night proving that Russia does not feel enough pressure for dragging out the war,” – Zelensky
Today, Ukraine is still stuck with the consequences of this ill-fated decision. Emergency responders and energy workers are putting in long hours to restore order and power. The nation is united in condolences to all we have lost. We’re urging the global community to respond more decisively to discourage any future acts of aggression.
