Russia Kills 18 in Deadliest Drone and Missile Assault on Ukraine in 2024
Key Takeaways
- Nearly 700 drones and 19 ballistic missiles struck Ukraine overnight.
- At least 18 people killed, including a child, across multiple cities.
- Odesa, Dnipro and Kyiv experienced heavy damage from the strikes.
Russia's Deadliest Attack
Russia unleashed its deadliest aerial assault on Ukraine so far in 2024, firing nearly 700 drones and dozens of missiles.
“Russian strikes have killed at least 16 people in Ukraine, according to local authorities, after Moscow launched a wave of attacks on its neighbour overnight”
The Ukrainian Air Force said Russia launched 659 drones and 44 missiles, with air defenses shooting down 636 drones and 31 missiles.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed four deaths in the capital, including a 12-year-old boy.
In Odesa, nine people were killed when a multi-storey residential building was struck.
The attack came just days after a 32-hour Orthodox Easter truce expired.
Civilian Toll and Destruction
The strikes caused widespread destruction and civilian casualties across Ukraine.
In Odesa, a resident recounted finding his son and daughter-in-law dead after their apartment building was struck.
Another resident said, 'They bombed us all night, without stopping for even half an hour.'
Ukraine's Foreign Minister called the attacks war crimes that must be stopped.
The UN estimates more than 15,000 Ukrainian civilians have died in strikes since the war began.
Russia Strikes Back
Ukraine launched more than 200 drones at Russia in the other direction.
Two children were killed in the southern Krasnodar Krai region.
Russia's Defense Ministry said the operation was launched in retaliation for Ukrainian strikes.
The bombardment was aimed at facilities associated with the Ukrainian armed forces.
Zelensky's Plea for Air Defenses
The attack came as Zelensky was touring Germany, Norway and Italy for air defense systems.
Zelensky warned Ukraine was facing a critical shortage of Patriot missiles.
He condemned the attack, saying it proved Russia did not deserve any easing of sanctions.
Russia is betting on war, and that is exactly how the response should be.
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