Russia launched more than 700 drones and missiles at Ukraine in multiple waves overnight, killing at least 18 people in what local officials said was the deadliest attack in months.

Officials reported nine fatalities in the southern port city of Odesa, five in the central city of Dnipro, and four, including a child, in the capital, Kyiv.

In retaliation, Russia noted the death of two individuals, including a child, due to a Ukrainian drone strike in the Krasnodar region.

The missile barrage follows a brief ceasefire during Orthodox Easter last weekend, which both Ukraine and Russia accused each other of violating.

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, this recent attack signifies the escalation in military aggression from the Russian side, raising alarms as Kyiv prepared for overnight airstrikes.

At approximately 02:30 local time, citizens were awakened by screeching sirens, soon followed by the sound of explosions. Eyewitness accounts showcased devastating scenes, such as bright orange flames and massive smoke clouds in central Kyiv.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that among those killed was a 12-year-old boy, and approximately 45 people sustained injuries, including emergency medical workers.

Images captured the immediate chaos caused by the drone strikes, with operators reporting that hundreds of drones had been intercepted, raising concerns about Ukraine’s air defenses.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, stating it underscores the necessity for unwavering sanctions against Russia while asserting that efforts must be concentrated on preserving lives and seeking peace.

Amidst this rising conflict, Ukrainian officials are calling for a united front for sanctions against Moscow alongside military and economic support from Western allies to bolster their defense capabilities.

The ongoing Russian attacks and subsequent Ukrainian response highlight the continuous cycle of violence that underscores the complexity of the geopolitical landscape in the region.

Moreover, discussions surrounding military aid, including the request for a €90bn EU loan, underscore the urgency of addressing Ukraine’s defense needs amidst this brutal assault.

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