Ukraine continues to endure relentless Russian airstrikes, with the latest wave of attacks hitting just hours after a devastating bombardment that targeted both energy infrastructure and civilian buildings. The situation has become increasingly dire, with at least four people losing their lives in these recent strikes. Among the casualties were two individuals who were confirmed dead after a missile strike demolished a four-story hotel in Kryvyi Rih, the hometown of President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Air Raid Sirens Echo Through Kryvyi Rih
Throughout the night, air raid sirens echoed in Kryvyi Rih and across central and eastern regions of Ukraine, adding to the mounting tension. The attacks, which began late on Monday night, have heightened fears as residents brace themselves for further strikes. This assault follows closely on the heels of another tragic incident in the Donetsk region, where a hotel frequented by civilians was targeted, resulting in the death of British ex-soldier Ryan Evans, who was working as a security advisor for Reuters.
Zelensky Condemns Russia’s Escalation
President Zelensky took to social media to condemn Russia’s actions, revealing that over 90 aerial weapons had been deployed, including 81 Iranian-made Shahed drones alongside cruise and ballistic missiles. He expressed his determination to respond to these attacks, stating that “crimes against humanity cannot go unpunished.” The Ukrainian leader has been vocal about the severity of Moscow’s latest bombing campaign, describing it as one of the largest Russian attacks since the war began. The onslaught on Monday alone claimed seven lives and left 47 others injured.
The Aftermath of the Bombing
As the aftermath of the bombings continues to unfold, rescue teams remain hard at work, attempting to locate two individuals still missing beneath the rubble of the Aurora Hotel. The destruction has left many areas without electricity and water, further complicating the situation for civilians already struggling to cope with the ongoing conflict.
The International Response
The international community has not remained silent in the face of these attacks. US President Joe Biden condemned the strikes as “outrageous,” while experts from the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War suggested that Russia may not have the capacity to sustain such large-scale attacks regularly. The latest escalation is seen as a reflection of President Vladimir Putin’s frustration, particularly in response to Ukraine’s recent successes in occupying territory within Russia’s Kursk region.
Poland on High Alert
The conflict’s impact has also been felt beyond Ukraine’s borders. Poland revealed that an unidentified aerial object had entered its airspace during the Russian bombardment. General Maciej Klisz, the operational commander of Poland’s armed forces, confirmed that radar stations had detected the object and that the army was prepared to respond if necessary. A search operation is now underway to determine whether the object may have landed on Polish territory.
Ukraine Strikes Back
Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have not remained idle. Overnight, they launched a drone attack on Russia, injuring four people in the central region of Saratov. Drones struck residential buildings in the cities of Saratov and Engels, the latter of which is home to a military airfield that has been targeted before. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed that 22 Ukrainian drones were intercepted across eight provinces, highlighting the ongoing tit-for-tat nature of the conflict.
Escalation in Kursk
The fighting in Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukraine launched a surprise incursion on August 6, continues to escalate. Russian officials have reported fending off multiple Ukrainian attempts to advance on several settlements, raising concerns about the security of the nuclear power plant in the area. The International Atomic Energy Agency’s chief, Rafael Grossi, is expected to visit the plant on Tuesday to assess the situation.
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