Ukraine and Russia trade strikes as civilian toll rises in Kirov and Kyiv regions
Russian forces strike eastern and capital regions while Ukrainian missiles hit industrial sites in western Russia, marking an escalation in cross-border infrastructure warfare.
At least 17 people have been killed in reciprocal strikes between Russia and Ukraine, as both sides intensify attacks on civilian and industrial infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that a Russian missile attack in the Kyiv region on Friday killed six people and wounded dozens, with rescue operations currently underway. Earlier in the day, explosions were reported in the capital, prompting Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko to urge residents to remain in shelters as air defence systems engaged incoming threats.
In the eastern city of Sloviansk, regional governor Vadym Filashkin reported that five people were killed and nine injured after Russian aviation bombs struck the area. Filashkin described the daily attacks as a persistent threat, noting that casualties had occurred for the second consecutive day. He called for immediate evacuation for those living near the front line, highlighting the sustained pressure on eastern Ukrainian communities.
Simultaneously, Ukraine conducted a missile strike on a factory in Russia’s Kirov region, killing six people and injuring 26, according to regional governor Alexander Sokolov. The attack also damaged a warehouse belonging to the Russian e-commerce giant Wildberries. Wildberries founder Tatyana Kim stated that while the Kirov facility was hit, there were no casualties at that specific site. She confirmed that warehouses in Saint Petersburg, the Leningrad region, and Simferopol were also targeted, but swift evacuations prevented further loss of life.
Zelenskyy described the strikes on Russian logistics as successful, stating that the operation remains under way. This marks the fourth time since last weekend that Wildberries facilities have been targeted. The company announced it is now focused on redistributing goods to ensure stock turnover and economic stability for its partners, amid the escalating conflict.
On the maritime front, a Russian drone attack on port infrastructure in the Mykolaiv region damaged two civilian vessels, with no injuries reported, according to acting regional governor Heorhii Reshetilov. Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defence claimed to have shot down 571 Ukrainian drones overnight across more than a dozen regions and Crimea. Al Jazeera reporter Audrey MacAlpine noted that the irregular daytime ballistic attacks mark a shift in tactics, with reports suggesting another massive offensive could be imminent in the coming days.
