Russia Launches New Wave of Attacks on Ukraine, Casualties Reported
Russia conducted multiple missile and drone strikes on Ukraine overnight, following a massive attack on Monday. At least one person was killed in Kryvyi Rih, with air defenses active in Kyiv and other regions.
In the early hours of August 27, 2024, Russia initiated a series of missile and drone attacks targeting Ukraine's capital Kyiv and other regions. This assault followed a day after what Ukrainian officials described as the most extensive attack since the conflict began.
The central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, the 7th most populous in the country, suffered a devastating blow. Local authorities reported at least one fatality when a civilian structure was completely destroyed. Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the city's military administration, stated, "The news is bad," adding that five civilians might still be trapped under the rubble, with four others injured.
Kyiv's air defense systems were repeatedly engaged throughout the night to counter incoming missiles and drones. Witnesses in the capital reported multiple rounds of explosions. The Ukrainian Air Force detected the launch of several drone groups and the takeoff of Russian Tu-95 strategic bombers and MiG-31 supersonic interceptor aircraft from Russian airfields.
These attacks come on the heels of a massive strike on August 26, 2024, during which Russia launched over 200 missiles and drones, resulting in at least seven casualties and significant damage to energy infrastructure. U.S. President Joe Biden condemned the attack as "outrageous."
"The Russian defence ministry said that its strikes on Monday hit 'all designated targets' in Ukraine's critical energy infrastructure."
The Kremlin continues to deny targeting civilians in the conflict, which began with a full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. However, the United Nations has repeatedly condemned Russia's actions, and the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin for war crimes.
The ongoing conflict has had far-reaching consequences, including the largest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II and significant impacts on global food security, as Ukraine is a major grain exporter. NATO members have provided substantial military aid to Ukraine, including modern air defense systems to complement its Soviet-era equipment.
As the war approaches its third year, the international community remains deeply concerned about the escalating violence and its humanitarian impact. The recent attacks underscore the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict that has devastated Ukraine and destabilized the region.
