Russia launches massive attack on southern Ukraine, dropping a record number of aerial bombs on populated areas. The conflict rages amidst the international focus on Gaza.
The Ukrainian Internal Affairs Ministry reports 87 aerial bombs dropped in the Kherson region, causing damage but no casualties. In the Odessa region, eight people were injured in Russian strikes.
The city of Kherson experiences two rounds of shelling with high-rise apartment buildings and private houses sustaining damage. Beryslav and the village of Krynky are also targeted with additional airstrikes.
In Odessa, a barrage of drones and missiles damages 20 apartment buildings, an art museum, cars, and infrastructure. Eight people are injured in the attacks. The Odessa Fine Arts Museum, a UNESCO heritage site, suffers damage.
The Ukrainian president’s office links the strikes in Odessa to Ukrainian attacks on Crimea. They dismiss Russia’s response as a feeble retaliation.
Ukrainian President Zelensky draws a parallel between Ukraine’s battle against Russia and Israel’s conflict against Hamas. U.S. lawmakers are divided on providing support to both countries.
Zelensky rejects the possibility of peace negotiations with “terrorists,” referring to Russia. He emphasizes that Ukraine will not surrender to Putin and vows to continue fighting.
