Russia Strikes Northeast Ukraine, 4 Killed, 11 Injured

Kyiv: Fresh Russian air strikes over the past 24 hours have intensified the conflict in northeastern Ukraine, leaving at least four people dead and 11 others injured, according to regional officials.

Kharkiv Governor Oleh Syniehubov confirmed on Saturday that the attacks targeted the city of Kharkiv along with 11 surrounding towns and villages, causing widespread damage.

Drone Attack Hits Residential Areas in Sumy

In a separate overnight strike, at least 11 people, including a child, were injured after a Russian drone hit a residential building in the Sumy region.

Ukraine’s emergency services reported that a 16-storey residential building and nearby private homes were struck. Residents were evacuated swiftly as fire crews managed to contain the blaze.

Authorities have launched investigations, documenting damage and collecting evidence related to potential war crimes.

Ukraine Air Defences Intercept Majority of Drones

The Ukrainian Air Force stated that its defence systems successfully intercepted or neutralised 260 out of 286 drones launched across multiple regions, including the north, south, east, and central parts of the country.

However, 11 drones managed to hit 10 locations, while debris from intercepted drones was reported at six additional sites.

Retaliatory Impact Inside Russia

Meanwhile, in southern Russia, one person was killed and four others critically injured following drone and missile strikes in the Rostov region.

Governor Yury Slyusar said the attack occurred in the port city of Taganrog, where a missile also struck a commercial facility, sparking a fire. Emergency teams evacuated civilians and later brought the situation under control.

Additionally, falling drone debris ignited a fire on a foreign-flagged cargo vessel in the Sea of Azov, a key shipping route linking Russia and Ukraine.

Peace Talks Remain Stalled

Diplomatic efforts to end the war, which began in February 2022, continue to face setbacks. Multiple rounds of talks involving the United States, Russia, and Ukraine have failed to produce a breakthrough.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently proposed an Easter ceasefire, which Russia rejected, calling it a public relations move.

Moscow continues to demand control over large parts of eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region, a condition Kyiv has firmly refused, citing constitutional constraints and ongoing resistance on the battlefield.