Intense Overnight Assault Claims Nine Lives
A major Russian military strike on western Ukraine overnight has resulted in the deaths of at least nine people, with dozens more wounded, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The attack, one of the most intense in recent weeks, involved a massive barrage of aerial weaponry.
President Zelenskyy confirmed that Russia launched more than 470 attack drones and 48 missiles during the assault, which caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure, including an apartment building in Ternopil.
Zelenskyy's Response and International Fallout
In a forceful statement, the Ukrainian leader declared that every brazen attack against ordinary life proves that the pressure on Russia is still insufficient. He emphasised the need for continued focus on strengthening Ukrainian defences to shoot down missiles and neutralise drones.
The attack occurred just hours before President Zelenskyy's anticipated travel to Turkey, where he aims to reinvigorate stalled peace talks. Previous rounds of Russia-Ukraine discussions in Istanbul this year have failed to achieve a breakthrough.
Regional Security Concerns Escalate
The scale of the offensive was so severe that it prompted a direct response from neighbouring Poland. As a precautionary measure, Polish authorities were forced to close two airports and scramble fighter jets to patrol airspace near the border with Ukraine.
This security alert coincides with Poland's diplomatic preparations to address alleged Russian rail sabotage attacks over the weekend. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski is due to outline the country's official response to these incidents in parliament.
The European Commission is expected to make further announcements regarding defence and artificial intelligence, while Lithuania reviews its decision to close borders with Belarus, marking a day of significant geopolitical developments across the region.
