Russian drone assaults ignite chaos across Ukrainian cities
At least 10 Russian unmanned aerial vehicles crashed in the southern districts of Odesa, Ukraine. Massive fires erupted in the city, and there are injured individuals. Drones also attacked Poltava, Kyiv, and Kharkiv.
Oleh Kiper, head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration, urged residents to remain in shelters after Russian Shahed drones were detected in the sky shortly before 12:00 PM Eastern Time.
Massive Russian attack. Dozens of drones in the air
"Odesa and the region are under threat of drone strikes! Stay in hiding!" wrote Kiper at 11:42 AM Eastern Time.
Shortly after, the first recordings appeared online showing the efforts of Ukrainian air defense trying to shoot down the Russian drones.
A massive fire broke out on the outskirts of Odesa.
In another statement, Kiper noted that the Russians targeted civilian infrastructure. "Several fires broke out as a result of the attack. All appropriate services are working to mitigate the effects. According to preliminary data, two people were injured due to the Russian drone strikes. Doctors are providing the necessary assistance," he assured.
Poltava, Kharkiv, and Kyiv under fire
The Russians also attacked Poltava. The head of the Poltava Regional Military Administration, Volodymyr Kohut, reported that civilian and industrial infrastructure were targeted.
"The explosions heard by Poltava residents resulted from the shooting down of drones, the explosions of their fragments upon falling, and, unfortunately, hits on civilian infrastructure and industrial facilities. So far, there is no information about any injured individuals. The air alert is ongoing! Stay in shelters until it's canceled. Take care of yourselves and your loved ones," Kohut appealed.
The Russian army also attacked Kharkiv. At least six explosions occurred in the city.
"According to preliminary information, all hits took place in the Novobavarskyi district. A large fire broke out at the sites of impact. The remaining effects of the night attack on Kharkiv are being determined," wrote Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov.
Air defense is also active in the Kyiv area. Explosions occurred, among others, in Brovary.
