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Fresh Russian attacks on two Ukrainian regions have resulted in at least nine casualties, as drones from Kyiv struck three Russian regions, setting an oil depot on fire in Russia’s Rostov region. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine’s eastern region of Donetsk has seen increased violence, with fighting continuing for several months as Russian troops advance towards the regional hub of Pokrovsk.
Reports from Donetsk Governor Vadym Filashkin on Telegram confirmed that four people were killed and a house was destroyed in Izmaylivka in the Kurakhove community. Additionally, two more individuals lost their lives in Chasiv Yar, in the Bakhmut district, where clashes between Ukrainian forces and attacking mercenaries have been a recurring issue.
In the Kharkiv region, a guided aerial bomb launched by Russian forces in Kupyansk resulted in injuries to 14 individuals, including three police officers. Multiple buildings and infrastructure were damaged in the attack, prompting a response from regional officials.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called attention to the dire situation in Pokrovsk and other areas in Donetsk region, emphasizing the need for Western support in using long-range weapons against Russian targets. Meanwhile, in Zaporizhzhya, a Russian drone attack claimed the lives of three individuals and injured several others, adding to the toll of civilian casualties.
As tensions escalate, Ukrainian forces have also targeted oil and fuel installations inside Russia in retaliation for continuous strikes on their civilian and energy infrastructure. Russian regions such as Rostov, Voronezh, Kursk, and others have reported drone attacks and fires at various facilities, illustrating the growing intensity of the conflict.
NATO members meeting in Brussels reaffirmed their commitment to bolster Ukraine’s defenses in the wake of the latest Russian assault. Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of providing Ukraine with the necessary equipment and support to combat Russia’s invasion, underscoring the urgent need for continued international assistance in the ongoing conflict.
