A medical clinic in the eastern city of Dnipro, Ukraine, was targeted by a Russian missile strike, resulting in the loss of one life and leaving 15 others injured.
Among the wounded are two young boys, aged three and six, according to the regional governor, Serhiy Lysak.
Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his deep concern and confirmed the attack, assuring that authorities are actively working to rescue any remaining individuals trapped within the hospital’s premises.
The city of Dnipro came under siege on Thursday night, experiencing an onslaught of missiles and drones, as described by Governor Lysak.
He expressed the gravity of the situation, saying, “It was a very difficult night. It was loud – the enemy launched a mass attack on the region with missiles and drones. Dnipro has suffered.”
President Zelensky shared a video showcasing the extensive damage inflicted upon the clinic.
The footage depicted firefighters on the scene, battling the flames and smoke emanating from the building. Zelensky condemned the attack, stating, “Russian terrorists once again confirm their status as fighters against everything humane and honest.”
According to Ukrainian authorities, 17 missiles and 31 drones launched from Russia were successfully intercepted and shot down overnight.
However, some managed to strike targets in Dnipro and the eastern city of Kharkiv, including an oil depot.
The capital city of Ukraine, Kyiv, was not spared from the assault either. Fragments from intercepted drones fell onto the roof of a shopping center, while a house and several cars suffered damage.
In recent weeks, Russia has escalated its attacks on Ukraine, specifically targeting critical infrastructure facilities in anticipation of an expected Ukrainian counteroffensive.
Reports indicate that Ukraine retaliated by launching a rocket and a drone toward two regions in Russia’s south on Thursday.
However, Russia claims to have successfully shot down the missile using its air defense systems.
In the southern Russian city of Krasnodar, a blast damaged a residential and office building, although the cause of the explosion remains unclear. Russian media outlets have suggested it was a drone attack.
As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia intensifies, innocent civilians and vital infrastructure bear the brunt of this escalating violence.
The international community closely watches the situation, hoping for a swift de-escalation and a peaceful resolution to this devastating crisis.