The trajectory of destruction was visible in several cities in the country where many buildings and property were destroyed early on Friday, due to the barrage of Russian strikes in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Voldimir Zelensky said the strike on Friday killed at least four people and injured dozens. The attack targeted Kiev and Rutosk city, the capital of the Ternopil region, in the northwest of the country.
One person died at Rootsk, while several were injured after Russian missiles and drone strikes.
Earlier on Friday, 15 attack drones and six cruise missiles were directed at the city, causing explosions and structural collapses in several areas, Ukrainian authorities said.
Many residents reported three powerful explosions, possibly due to direct hits or work on air defense systems.
“It started around 4:30am and I saw things flying there and explode with my own eyes. I was standing here, and waves of blasts pushed us into the hallway. Most people ran to the shelter,” said Yevhenia Kamienieva, a resident of Lutsk.
“According to eyewitnesses outside, unfortunately there is no functional shelter here, so it was a missile strike,” said Alisa Yarofieva, director of the city’s apartment association.
City rescuers said at least 16 people had various injuries from the attack, which caused many fires.
Ukrainian provincial emergency services (SES) reported that the latest Russian strike targeted areas across Ukraine.
As the explosion lasted several hours and overnight, many people in the Ukrainian capital were welcomed to shelter at metro stations. SES said several management buildings, industrial facilities and vehicles were also damaged.
Police in the Donetsk region said the strike was also reported in Slobiansk city. Police said a Russian drone crashed into Slobiansk, causing damage to the building and attacked dozens of vehicles and service stations. Fortunately, no victims have been reported, police said.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the strike was retaliated for “terrorist acts by the Kiev regime.” Russia claimed it targeted only military facilities. This is proof that it is increasing the number of civilian casualties on Ukraine’s side.
The Moscow attack comes days after US President Donald Trump said “he has to respond” following the web of Ukrainian operational spiders, in which Russian President Vladimir Putin targeted Russian fighter jets at a military air base last weekend.
The secret operation, described as a “history book” by the Ukrainian president, denounced Russia’s rejection of the proposed ceasefire in May due to the latest escalation in the three and a half years of war.
