Officials report that two Russian strikes in Ukraine's central Dnipropetrovsk region have resulted in the loss of eight lives, including two children.
The main city of Dnipro faced an attack, while several residences in Synelnykove, located further east, were also struck.
President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the urgent need for every city to bolster its air defenses in response to the attack.
Additionally, Ukraine announced that, for the first time, it successfully downed a long-range bomber within Russian territory.
According to Ukraine's interior ministry, among the six casualties resulting from Russian strikes on Synelnykove, two were children aged six and eight who were in targeted private homes.
In Dnipro, the regional capital, two individuals lost their lives, and 16 others sustained injuries when a five-story building was hit. Rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities warning that the casualty count may increase.
Ukraine has been vocal about its dwindling arsenal capable of intercepting Russian missiles and drones. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has stressed the pressing need for immediate military assistance.
Despite these challenges, the Ukrainian air force reported the successful interception of a Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bomber, which was launching supersonic Kh-22 cruise missiles at Ukrainian cities from the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Unverified footage depicted the aircraft engulfed in flames, spiraling out of control before crashing.
Stavropol regional governor Vladimir Vladimirov confirmed the crash, stating that the plane went down in a field north of the main city. Two pilots were rescued, while a third crew member lost their life. Efforts are underway to locate a fourth crew member.
Ukrainian Air Force Chief Lieutenant General Mykola Oleschuk disclosed that six Kh-22 cruise missiles were launched overnight, with two successfully neutralized for the first time.
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