A deadly drone attack by Russian forces on Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region has left at least seven people dead, including a child, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on Tuesday. The overnight assault targeted a residential building in the town of Hlukhiv, near the Russian border, resulting in 12 injuries, including two children.
Zelenskyy condemned the attack, stating, “Every new Russian strike only confirms Putin’s true intentions. He wants the war to continue and is not interested in peace talks.”
Search and Rescue Operations Underway
In a video shared by Zelenskyy, emergency workers are seen sifting through the rubble of the partially destroyed building in the aftermath of the attack. Rescue operations continued into the morning as local authorities confirmed that Russian forces had used two drones in the assault. The military administration of Sumy region reported the casualties and the damage via Telegram.
Drone Attacks Escalate in Sumy Region
Ukraine’s air force reported that 51 out of 87 drones launched by Russian forces overnight were intercepted, though 30 others went untracked. This attack adds to a series of escalating drone strikes in Sumy, which have targeted both critical and civilian infrastructure.
Earlier this week, a missile strike in the same region killed 11 people, injured 89, and left parts of the city of Sumy without power. Russian forces have repeatedly pummeled Sumy in recent months, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Zelenskyy’s statement underscored Ukraine’s resilience in the face of continued aggression, as authorities continue to call for international support to counter the Russian onslaught.