KYIV, UKRAINE – Ukrainian-Russian tensions have escalated with accusations of drone attacks on Moscow and Crimea by Ukrainian forces, while Russian military strikes targeted port infrastructure in southern Ukraine. In Moscow, drones struck two nonresidential buildings, with one drone falling near the Defence Ministry’s main headquarters and another hitting an office building. Russian authorities claimed that both attacking drones were jammed by the military, leading to their crashes. Although there were no reported casualties, the incidents have raised concerns over further attacks on Russian regions with drones.
In Crimea, a Ukrainian drone attack struck an ammunition depot, prompting a halt in traffic on a major highway and a railway crossing the peninsula. The depot’s hit also resulted in the evacuation of nearby villages. Russian authorities stated that 11 of the 17 attacking drones were jammed and crashed into the Black Sea, while another three were shot down.
Furthermore, Russian forces launched exploding drones on port infrastructure along the Danube River in southern Ukraine, injuring seven people and causing significant damage to a grain hangar and storage for other cargo. The Ukrainian military reported downing three of the attacking drones. These attacks have been part of a series targeting critical port infrastructure in southern Ukraine after Moscow cancelled a grain deal amid Kyiv’s efforts to reclaim occupied territories.
Additionally, there have been attacks on the city of Odesa, where 25 landmarks, including the Transfiguration Cathedral, were severely damaged, resulting in one death and 22 injuries. UNESCO condemned the attack, and Russia claimed that the cathedral was likely struck by a Ukrainian air defence missile, denying any involvement.
The situation remains tense, with a total of 10 people wounded in Russian attacks on Ukraine in the past 24 hours. The developments underscore the ongoing volatility in the region and the potential for further escalation.