Russia has intensified its assault on Ukraine following Kyiv's massive drone attack on Moscow, raising fears of a dangerous new escalation in the war. Russian forces launched devastating strikes on the frontline city of Zaporizhzhia, where officials say guided aerial bombs killed at least five people and injured several others. Residential buildings, civilian infrastructure, and public facilities were left damaged as explosions rocked the city.
Strikes on Zaporizhzhia
The attack targeted the city that houses Europe's largest nuclear power plant. Local authorities reported that guided aerial bombs hit multiple locations, causing widespread destruction. Emergency services rushed to the scene to rescue survivors and extinguish fires. The death toll is expected to rise as search operations continue.
Russia Claims Strike on Ukrainian Drone Facility
At the same time, Russia claimed it struck a Ukrainian drone storage and production facility near Kharkiv, releasing footage showing thick smoke billowing from the targeted area. Moscow says the attack was aimed at disrupting Ukraine's drone capabilities after one of Kyiv's largest-ever drone assaults deep inside Russian territory. The Ukrainian military has not commented on the claim.
Escalation Fears
The back-and-forth strikes mark a significant escalation in the war, with both sides targeting each other's infrastructure. Ukraine's drone attack on Moscow, which involved dozens of drones, prompted Putin to order a harsh response. The international community has called for restraint, but the fighting shows no signs of abating.
