Russia Strikes Ukraine: Two Dead, 19 Wounded

POLICY WIRE — Ukraine — Russian forces launched a series of missile and drone attacks across Ukraine on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to 19 others, officials reported. The assaults targeted multiple cities, including the capital Kyiv, the port city of Odesa, and the eastern city of Kharkiv.

The attacks involved six ballistic missiles, six cruise missiles, — and 121 drones, according to Ukraine’s air force. Ukrainian air defense systems managed to intercept at least two cruise missiles — and 111 drones. However, officials noted that ballistic missiles were not successfully intercepted during the latest barrage.

In Kyiv, 11 people sustained injuries from an attack that utilized a combination of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that civilian infrastructure was impacted even before air raid alerts were issued. Zelensky also noted that while Ukrainian defenders successfully shot down most of the incoming targets, they were unable to intercept the ballistic missiles. He subsequently urged Ukraine’s allies to expedite the delivery of air defense support packages that were agreed upon during the recent NATO summit.

Further strikes were reported in other regions. A missile strike in Odesa later on Saturday morning killed two people — and wounded one. Separately, a drone strike in Kharkiv hit a civilian enterprise, causing injuries to seven individuals.

The attacks occurred as Ukraine continues to await critical supplies of air defense munitions. Officials have indicated that a shortage of these supplies has left the country vulnerable to ongoing Russian assaults.