Russian forces continued their relentless campaign against Ukraine on Sunday, killing three civilians in two major cities and striking several districts of the capital, Kyiv. Local officials confirmed the attacks and described the damage inflicted on residential areas.
Casualties in Sumy and Kharkiv
In the northern border city of Sumy, a frequent target for Russian strikes, three glide bombs hit the vicinity of a family support centre. Regional governor Oleh Hryhorov posted on Telegram that two people were killed in the blast. The governor reiterated Russia’s stated aim of creating a buffer zone in the Sumy region, a claim that has drawn international condemnation.
Further east, in Kharkiv – Ukraine’s second‑largest city – a drone attacked a civilian vehicle, killing the driver, according to local prosecutors. The incident adds to a growing list of drone‑related fatalities in the city, which has been a regular target of Russian air and missile operations.
Damage in Kyiv’s eastern suburbs
Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, reported that a drone struck a high‑rise apartment building in an eastern suburb, igniting a fire. Emergency crews quickly extinguished the blaze, and only one person was wounded. The mayor also noted that drones hit areas near a kindergarten and a playground in two districts, while other parts of the city suffered damage without any reported casualties.
Both sides of the more than four‑and‑a‑half‑year‑old war continue to deny that they are deliberately targeting civilians, a claim that remains contested by independent observers and humanitarian groups.
Ongoing intensity of the conflict
Historically, Russian attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities have been concentrated at night. In recent weeks, however, Russian forces have increased the frequency of strikes, carrying them out almost continuously throughout the day. This escalation has heightened concerns among Ukrainian officials about civilian safety and the strain on emergency services.
International leaders have repeatedly called for an end to the violence and urged Russia to respect civilian lives. The United Nations and various humanitarian organizations continue to monitor the situation, documenting casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.
What comes next?
Ukrainian authorities say they remain vigilant and are bolstering air‑defense capabilities around major population centers. The government has also called on citizens to stay alert and follow safety instructions during air‑raid alerts.
As the conflict enters its fifth year, the pattern of daily strikes underscores the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to de‑escalate the fighting and protect civilian lives.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
