Key facts
- Russian missiles and drones killed at least eight civilians and injured 35 others in Ukraine on Monday.
- A missile strike in Dnipro killed five people and wounded 29.
- Drone attacks in Zaporizhzhia killed three and wounded six.
- Two people were killed by drones in the Sumy region.
- President Zelenskyy called for Europe to develop more anti-ballistic defense systems.
- Ukrainian drone strikes have caused fuel shortages in Russia, according to Vladimir Putin.
Russian missiles and drones killed at least eight civilians and injured 35 others in Ukraine on Monday, prompting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to condemn the "horrific attacks" and renew his plea for enhanced European air defense capabilities.
In the central city of Dnipro, a Russian missile strike targeting infrastructure resulted in five deaths and 29 injuries. Simultaneously, Russian drones struck a passenger minibus in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, causing three fatalities and six injuries, including a child. The northeastern Sumy region also reported civilian deaths due to drone attacks. Authorities indicated that additional deadly attacks occurred across at least six other regions.
Following the strikes, eight Ukrainian regions experienced power outages, according to grid operator Ukrenergo, as high temperatures increased electricity demand. Zelenskyy emphasized the urgent need for greater protection from such attacks, particularly anti-ballistic capabilities, urging Europe to actively develop its own defense systems.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that repeated Ukrainian drone strikes on Russia's oil facilities have led to fuel shortages and public frustration. However, Putin reiterated Russia's commitment to achieving its war objectives, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirming that Russian troops continue their offensive. Analysts suggest Russia's stance aims to pressure the West and Ukraine into concessions, though the Institute for the Study of War noted a decline in Russia's battlefield performance and questioned its ability to achieve military objectives.