Deadly Barrage of Russian Attacks Strikes Ukraine
Nearly 40 people have been killed and over 100 injured in a series of attacks launched by Russian forces across various Ukrainian cities on Friday.
Alex Carter
- 2023-12-30
- Updated 01:57 PM ET
(NewsNibs) - Early reports detail a devastating assault with Ukrainian officials stating that Russian forces fired 122 rockets and utilized 36 kamikaze drones in the attacks. Efforts are currently focused on emergency responses as rescuers continue to sift through the rubble, with new bodies being found today. The Ukrainian air defense claims to have intercepted 70 percent of the projectiles, which nonetheless resulted in considerable material damage and disrupted electricity supplies in several regions.
Broad Impact on Civilian Life
The offensive did not spare civilian infrastructure—residential areas, a maternity hospital, educational institutions and recreational facilities have all been hit. In Kyiv alone, at least 16 fatalities have been confirmed by local authorities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that nearly 120 towns and villages nationwide felt the brunt of the attacks, underscoring the extensive impact on civilian life.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has underscored the severity of the situation, pointing out that the Russian strikes affected not only homes and social infrastructure but also critical energy facilities. The targeted regions include Kharkiv, Lviv, Dnipro, Odessa, Zaporizhzhia, along with the capital Kyiv.
International Condemnation and Recovery Efforts
As the international community reacts to the onslaught, Ukraine is galvanizing relief and recovery efforts with searches for survivors ongoing amidst the wreckage. The attacks represent a significant escalation in the conflict, drawing attention and condemnation from human rights observers. The full extent of casualties and the impact on the Ukrainian infrastructure continue to be assessed as the country grapples with the aftermath of this latest series of attacks.
