A devastating drone attack carried out by Russia in the northeastern Ukrainian region of Sumy has tragically claimed the lives of seven people, including a child, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Tuesday. The attack, which occurred overnight, targeted a residential building in the small town of Hlukhiv, a border community near Russia. The assault left a trail of destruction and suffering, leaving a further 12 people wounded, two of them children, according to the Sumy regional military administration’s Telegram post.
The aftermath of the attack is heartbreaking. A video released by President Zelenskyy depicts emergency workers tirelessly sifting through the rubble of the partially destroyed building, as search and rescue operations continued well into the morning. The images underscore the horrific human cost of Russia’s ongoing aggression. The regional military administration reported that Russian forces employed two drones in this brutal assault.
President Zelenskyy’s response was swift and resolute. He condemned the attack, stating, “Every new Russian strike only confirms Putin’s true intentions. He wants the war to continue; he is not interested in talking about peace.” Zelenskyy’s words highlight the growing international concern over Russia’s continued escalation of the conflict and its apparent disregard for civilian lives.
This attack is not an isolated incident. The Sumy region has been repeatedly targeted by Russian forces in recent months, suffering significant damage to both civilian infrastructure and critical facilities. Just days earlier, on Sunday, a missile strike in the same region resulted in 11 fatalities, 89 injuries, and widespread power outages in the city of Sumy. This underscores a pattern of deliberate targeting of civilian populations and infrastructure.
Adding to the scale of the overnight attack, Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting 51 of the 87 drones launched by Russia, losing track of 30 more. The sheer number of drones deployed demonstrates the scale and intensity of the ongoing Russian offensive. The continued attacks highlight the urgent need for international support for Ukraine and the crucial importance of holding Russia accountable for its actions. The devastating loss of life and the widespread destruction serve as a grim reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine. The international community must unite in its condemnation of these actions and continue its support for the Ukrainian people.
