Kyiv reports civilian casualties as Russian forces advance in Donbas and Ukraine retaliates with drone strikes
The Russian Ministry of Defence claims its forces have taken full control of the Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine, marking a major advance in the Donbas area that had resisted Russian control since the start of the 2022 invasion. Russia also announced control over Verkhnya Pysarivka in Kharkiv and Boikove in Zaporizhia.
There was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine, which continues to defend remaining territory in Donbas. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov urged Ukrainian forces to withdraw, calling for an end to the “hot phase” of the war, while President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected the notion, emphasizing a diplomatic solution and a ceasefire only along current front lines.
Meanwhile, Russian drone attacks overnight killed two civilians in Kherson and damaged infrastructure, including a warehouse in Lutsk. Zelenskyy reported that Russia deployed 339 drones, including Iranian-designed Shaheds, during the attacks. Ukrainian drones also struck Russia’s Baltic Sea port of Ust-Luga for the fifth time in 10 days, disrupting oil exports.
The conflict has spilled over into neighboring countries, with Estonia, Latvia, and Finland reporting drones crossing their airspace. Finnish authorities said one drone carried explosives, while Latvian police found drone debris, prompting investigations. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Ukraine “never aimed drones at these countries.”
The developments highlight escalating tensions in the Ukraine conflict, with Russian advances, civilian casualties, and cross-border drone incidents increasing regional instability.
Source: Al Jazeera