Russia Launches Drone and Missile Attacks on Ukraine, Causing Extensive Damage and Injuries

Early Wednesday morning, Russia launched a series of drone and missile attacks on critical infrastructure in southern Ukraine, including grain and oil terminals. The attacks caused extensive damage and wounded at least 12 people, according to Ukrainian officials.

Ukraine’s air force reported that they were able to shoot down 37 out of 63 targets in the Odesa region, including 23 suicide drones and 14 cruise missiles. Serhiy Popko, head of the Kyiv’s city military administration, commented on the attack, saying “A difficult night of air attacks for all of Ukraine, especially in the south, in Odesa. But I think that all normal, rational people will look and say: Odesa was not afraid, is not afraid and will not be afraid — we will work.”

The bombardment also extended to other parts of Ukraine, including a drone attack on Kyiv. The attack crippled significant parts of export facilities in Odesa and nearby Chornomorsk, and destroyed 60,000 tons of grain, according to Ukraine’s Agriculture Ministry.

The attack has been met with condemnation from the international community, with many countries calling for an immediate ceasefire and for Russia to respect Ukraine’s sovereignty. The Ukrainian government has also called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to discuss the situation.

The attack has raised tensions between Russia and Ukraine to a new level, and it remains to be seen how the two countries will move forward in the coming days.