Nine people died in Russian strikes on Ukraine overnight, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced.
In a Telegram post, he wrote that Russia had launched over 470 drones and 47 missiles in a "daring attack".
Three districts of the second-largest Ukrainian city of Kharkiv were hit by a massive drone attack, which injured over 30 people, including children. Online photos show burning buildings and cars.
Power outages are affecting a number of regions in the country, the Ukrainian energy ministry said.
The attack, described by President Zelenskyy as daring, is another act of aggression by Russia. These actions, which cause immense human suffering, again underscore the escalating conflict. Moscow's offensive marks a significant increase in the intensity of military actions, prompting an immediate international reaction.
The attack on Kharkiv, which is the second-largest urban agglomeration in Ukraine, is particularly alarming. Chaos and destruction were observed at the scene of the attack, in the center of which three districts were hit. Fire engulfed residential buildings, and cars burned in flames. Rescue teams, including firefighters and medical personnel, worked frantically at the scene of the strike.
The situation is complicated by power outages that are affecting a number of regions in the country. The Ukrainian energy ministry announced that work is underway to restore power, but did not give a forecast for the time needed to repair the damage. This factor further worsens the humanitarian situation.
This military operation is further evidence of the tragic consequences of the conflict and the urgent need to find a peaceful solution. The international community must continue to condemn these actions and seek ways to achieve a sustainable peace.