UPDATES CASUALTIES; ADDS DETAILS; CHANGES HEADLINE, LEDE
By Alperen Aktas
ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Wednesday that seven people were killed in overnight Russian strikes targeting cities and energy infrastructure across Ukraine.
"A Russian drone strike hit a kindergarten in Kharkiv – after a massive attack overnight. Unfortunately, one person has been killed," Zelenskyy said on Telegram, adding that seven people have been injured and are receiving medical care.
Previously, he said six people were killed and 17 people were injured in the attacks that hit several regions, including Kyiv, Odesa, Chernihiv, Dnipro, Kirovohrad, Poltava, Vinnytsia, Zaporizhzhia, Cherkasy, and Sumy.
Later in the day, the head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, Timur Tkachenko, reported that the number of injured people has increased to 25.
“Ordinary cities have been under fire, primarily our energy infrastructure, but many residential buildings have also been hit,” Zelenskyy said on Telegram, adding that fires broke out in Zaporizhzhia and homes were damaged in Kyiv.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force Command, a total of 433 air attack weapons were used in the assault, including 28 missiles — 15 of them ballistic — and 405 drones of various types.
“Our air defense forces, mobile fire groups, and drone interceptor crews were working all night and into the morning,” he added.
Zelenskyy also accused Russia of ignoring diplomacy and called on allies to increase pressure through stronger sanctions and more long-range weapon deliveries.
“Russian words about diplomacy mean nothing as long as the Russian leadership does not feel critical problems,” he said. “It is high time the European Union adopted a strong sanctions package.”
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the strikes destroyed energy facilities and left several communities without power, heating, or water.
He urged international partners to send energy equipment and air defense systems before winter.
Russia did not comment on the allegations, and independent verification is difficult due to the ongoing conflict.