Zelensky condemns 'horrific attacks' after Russian strikes kill 12 in Ukraine

KYIV, Ukraine, June 30 ------ Russian missiles and drones killed at least 12 civilians and injured 40 others in Ukraine in what President Volodymyr Zelensky described as “horrific attacks.”

Since Russia launched its all-out invasion of its neighbor more than four years ago, its forces have conducted bombing in an effort to destroy Ukraine’s infrastructure and sap morale. More than 16,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed, according to the U.N.

A Russian missile targeting infrastructure struck the central city of Dnipro, killing six people and wounding 29, Dnipropetrovsk regional head Oleksandr Hanzha said. Russian drones also hit a passenger minibus in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, killing three and wounding six, including a child, Zelenskyy said on social media.

Russian drones also killed a 69-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man in the northeastern Sumy region, National Police said. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said a daytime Russian strike killed one person and wounded five others in the northeastern city. Other deadly attacks occurred in at least six other regions of Ukraine, authorities said. No further details were immediately available.

Strikes leave some Ukrainians without power

Some customers in eight Ukrainian regions were left without power Monday after Russian strikes, while hot weather drove up electricity use as people turned on air conditioners, grid operator Ukrenergo said.

Zelensky renewed his plea for Europe to step up its development of air defenses to block Russia’s ballistic missiles. “People need greater protection from such horrific attacks,” Zelensky said. “Above all, we need anti-ballistic capabilities. It is essential that Europe is as active as possible in developing its own anti-ballistic defense — its own systems and missiles.”

Source: manilatimes.net