Russian Attacks Kill Two, Damage Parts of Ukraine

Post by : Monika

Photo: Reuters

On Sunday night and early Monday morning, Russia launched several air attacks on Ukraine, killing at least two people and damaging homes, buildings, and power lines across different cities. This is one of the latest attacks in the long-running war between the two countries that began in February 2022.

The Ukrainian Air Force said that Russia used cruise missiles and attack drones to strike various targets across the country. While Ukrainian defenses shot down many of them, some still hit their targets, causing widespread destruction.

What Happened?
Ukraine’s military said that Russia fired 17 cruise missiles and 13 drones during the night. Ukrainian air defense systems were able to shoot down 16 missiles and 13 drones, but one missile managed to get through and struck a building in the central Ukrainian city of Kropyvnytskyi, located in the Kirovohrad region.

That missile hit a residential area, killing two people and injuring at least five others, according to local officials. Emergency workers rushed to the scene to help survivors and put out fires caused by the explosion. Photos and videos from the site showed broken windows, destroyed walls, and people crying in the street.

A local resident named Nina, who lives just one street away from the blast, said, “I woke up to a loud boom. My windows shattered, and my children were screaming. I don’t understand why they target homes.”

Other Cities Also Damaged

• The air attacks also caused damage in several other regions, including:
• Dnipro: Multiple explosions were reported. Power lines and roads were damaged.
• Zaporizhzhia: The city’s energy infrastructure took a hit. Electricity was cut off in many areas.
• Kharkiv: Loud blasts were heard overnight. No deaths were reported, but many buildings were damaged.
• Ukrainian officials said that even though most of the missiles were shot down, the few that got through still caused serious damage.

A Ukrainian military spokesperson said, “We are doing everything we can to protect our people, but some weapons manage to pass through our defenses. These attacks are cruel and target civilians.”

Russia’s Side of the Story
Russia has not said much about this latest attack. In past statements, Russian officials have claimed they are only targeting military sites, not civilians. But the large number of destroyed homes, schools, and hospitals in Ukraine over the last two years tells a different story.

Russia often says its missiles are aimed at weapons factories, military storage, or energy facilities. However, many of the recent missile strikes have hit homes, markets, apartment buildings, and even children’s hospitals.

Ukrainian leaders say these attacks are not just military—they are meant to scare people and break their spirit.

Power and Water Cut Off
Because of the damage to power stations and lines, thousands of homes in parts of Ukraine lost electricity. In some places, water pumps also stopped working because they run on electricity.

This has made life even harder for people, especially those living in cities that have already been damaged many times during the war.

An old man in Zaporizhzhia, named Mykola, said, “We can’t cook, we can’t wash, and now we have no lights. How long can we keep living like this?”

More Air Raid Sirens and Fear
The sound of air raid sirens is now a part of daily life in Ukraine. On Monday morning, sirens rang out again in several cities, warning people of more possible missile attacks. Many people ran to underground shelters or basements to protect themselves.

Children have learned to grab their bags and run as soon as the sirens sound. Some schools now teach classes online or in underground shelters to keep students safe.

A teacher in Dnipro said, “We try to give kids a normal education, but how can we do that when bombs are falling?”

President Zelenskyy’s Response
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke to the nation after the attack. He said, “Russia continues to kill innocent people. They are trying to make us afraid, but we will not give up.”

He also thanked the Ukrainian Air Force and emergency workers for saving lives and helping people after the attack. He asked world leaders to send more air defense systems to protect Ukrainian cities from future missile and drone strikes.

“We need better systems to stop these attacks before they kill more people,” he said.

More Help from Other Countries?
Ukraine has asked the United States, European Union, and other allies for more help, especially better air defense weapons like the Patriot missile system and radar technology that can detect and shoot down enemy drones and missiles.

Some countries have already sent this equipment, but Ukraine says it is not enough. The country needs more weapons to cover more areas and protect more lives.

So far, countries like Germany, France, and the UK have promised to send more support in the coming weeks.

The War Goes On
This attack is just the latest in a war that has lasted over two years. Thousands of people have died on both sides, and millions have had to leave their homes. Many towns and villages in Ukraine have been turned into rubble.

But Ukraine continues to fight back. Its army has held strong in many parts of the country. Soldiers, volunteers, and everyday people are working together to rebuild and defend their cities.

One woman in Kharkiv, who helps make meals for soldiers, said, “We are tired, but we are not broken. We will survive.”

The Human Cost
Behind every report of an explosion or missile strike, there are real people. People who lost loved ones, who no longer have homes, who go to sleep at night not knowing if they will wake up safely.

A 9-year-old boy named Andriy said, “I don’t want toys. I just want the war to stop so I can play outside again.”

This simple wish from a child is shared by millions in Ukraine who just want peace, safety, and a chance to live a normal life again.

Russia’s latest missile and drone attack on Ukraine shows that the war is far from over. Two more lives were lost, and many more were hurt. Homes and power stations were damaged, and people are once again left to pick up the pieces.

As air raid sirens continue to ring, and buildings continue to shake from explosions, the people of Ukraine hold onto hope, and the world watches — waiting for peace to come at last.