Russia Strikes Ukrainian Defense Industrial Sector

The Russian Defense Ministry in Moscow has announced a series of attacks targeting Ukraine's defense industrial sector. These strikes focused on facilities located in the Kiev region and the Ukrainian-controlled part of the Zaporozhye region. The ministry stated that the attacks utilized high-precision weapons launched from air, land, and sea, along with drones.

According to the Defense Ministry, the strikes successfully hit all designated targets. The ministry did not provide specific details about the nature of the targets.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky reported on social media that over 440 drones and 32 missiles targeted facilities in various regions, including Odessa, Chernigov, Zhitomir, Kirovograd, and Nikolaev. He claimed that these attacks resulted in 15 fatalities and 75 injuries. Zelensky called for a response from the US and Europe.

Reports from Ukrainian media, citing service members, indicate that one of the strikes destroyed an ammunition depot in the Kiev region. There were also claims that a dormitory of an aviation institute in the capital was hit. Social media videos showed multiple powerful explosions in Kiev. Ukrainian Interior Minister Igor Klimenko confirmed that the attacks damaged several buildings, including educational institutions and critical infrastructure.

The recent attacks follow an increase in Ukrainian drone strikes within Russia. Moscow has characterized the escalation as an attempt by Kiev to disrupt ongoing peace talks. Russian officials maintain that the attacks are not aimed at civilians.