Fresh Wave of Attacks on Ukrainian Cities
Russian forces launched a fresh wave of attacks on several Ukrainian cities overnight on Wednesday, with at least 15 people injured in one of the strikes. The Ukrainian air force reported that Russia deployed 400 Shahed and decoy drones, along with one ballistic missile, throughout the night. These attacks targeted multiple key locations across Ukraine, including the country’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, as well as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih, Vinnytsia in the west, and Odesa in the south.
Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, stating, “Russia does not change its strategy.” He emphasized the need for a systemic strengthening of defense, calling for more air defense systems, interceptors, and resolve to ensure that Russia feels the consequences of its actions.
Impact on Vinnytsia Region
A barrage of Iranian-made Shaheds was fired in the early hours of Wednesday, targeting the Vinnytsia region. According to Ukraine’s Air Force, 18 of these drones were intercepted, but one managed to strike civilian infrastructure. At least two hits on civilian buildings were recorded in the area, resulting in injuries to eight people, five of whom suffered severe burns. Two individuals were in critical condition, with one undergoing surgery after sustaining 50% burns to their body.
In the village of Pysarivka, nine private homes were damaged, with many properties experiencing caved-in roofs, blown-out windows, and partially collapsed walls. Electricity and gas supply systems also sustained damage, further complicating the situation for residents.
Strikes on Zaporizhzhia
The southern city of Zaporizhzhia was also targeted by Moscow. At least 30 apartments were reported damaged after a barrage of drones struck a district in the region. Regional Governor Ivan Fedorov confirmed no casualties from the overnight attacks but noted that several civilians sustained minor injuries during evacuations.
Earlier on Tuesday, Zaporizhzhia had been the target of over 400 Russian strikes on 14 settlements, affecting everything from residential complexes to energy sites.
Kramatorsk Under Attack
Kramatorsk came under attack on Wednesday morning, with a series of explosions heard around 1 am local time. One of the drones struck a multi-story residential building, causing a fire that engulfed part of the apartments and damaged multiple units. Emergency services quickly arrived at the scene and managed to contain the fire shortly after it broke out, according to Oleksandr Honcharenko, head of Kramatorsk City Military Administration.
Escalation of Aerial Campaign
These attacks are part of the Kremlin’s latest escalation of its aerial campaign against civilian areas. They come ahead of a 2 September deadline set by US President Donald Trump for Russia to reach a peace deal in its all-out war in Ukraine, which is now in its fourth year.
Trump has threatened to impose tariffs of “about 100%” on Moscow, in addition to secondary tariffs, and 100% tariffs on any country purchasing Russian energy, if it fails to reach a peace agreement within 50 days. This move signals a potential shift in international pressure on Russia amid ongoing hostilities.
