Russian strikes kill 17 across Ukraine in worst attack this year

KYIV — Russia unleashed its deadliest attack so far this year on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and other cities overnight, killing at least 17 people, including a 12-year-old child, and wounding scores, in drone and missile strikes, officials said on Thursday.

In Russia, a major Ukrainian drone attack on the Black Sea port of Tuapse killed two people, including a 14-year-old girl, injured seven, and sparked a large fire, Russian officials and media reported. The port is home to a major oil refinery as well as an export hub for oil, coal and fertilizer.

Overnight in Kyiv, fires in several different places sent black smoke billowing into the sky. Its heavy smell lingered through the morning as residents and emergency crews cleaned debris scattered around heavily damaged buildings including apartment blocks and a hotel.

“I fear for our country and for everything we have. For the people. I feel so sorry for the children. So many people died today,” said Olena Kapustian, 41, standing outside with her son.

Four people, including the child, died in Kyiv, mayor Vitali Klitschko said. Eight people were killed in Odesa, and four in the southeastern city of Dnipro, where Russian attacks set residential buildings ablaze, according to regional officials.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the night had proven that Russia did not deserve any easing of global policy or lifting of sanctions, with 100 people wounded alongside those killed.

“There can be no normalization of Russia as it is today. Pressure on Russia must work. And it is important to fulfill every promise of assistance to Ukraine on time,” he said.

Moscow said it had carried out a “massive” strike on Ukraine that had hit energy targets used by Ukrainian forces and cruise missile and drone production, without giving details. Kyiv’s drone forces commander said Ukrainian military struck two oil depots in Russia-occupied Crimea and infrastructure in Russia’s southern port of Tuapse.

Ukraine said its air force units shot down or neutralised 31 missiles and 636 drones, but 12 missiles and 20 drones hit in the 24 hours to 7 a.m. on Thursday.

Rescue operations were ongoing and the toll could rise, Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said, while Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha urged the international community to act.