Ankara: Russia and Ukraine on Tuesday exchanged accusations over a series of overnight airstrikes that resulted in the deaths of at least nine people across both countries.
According to Anadolu Agency, Krasnodar Governor Veniamin Kondratyev stated on Telegram that the southern Russian region faced "one of the most sustained and massive attacks of the Kyiv regime," which left six individuals injured. Kondratyev highlighted that Novorossiysk and Gelendzhik were particularly affected, with preliminary reports indicating damage to seven apartment buildings and at least seven private homes.
Rostov Governor Yury Slyusar reported that 10 individuals were injured in the port city of Taganrog and the surrounding Neklinovsky district during the overnight assault. Slyusar confirmed three fatalities and noted damage to a paint shop, a warehouse, several social facilities, four apartment buildings, 12 private homes, and four cars.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, air defenses intercepted 249 Ukrainian drones launched overnight toward Russia, with 116 downed over the Black Sea. The ministry claimed that 76 of the drones were shot down over the Krasnodar region and 16 over the Rostov region.
Meanwhile, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported on Telegram that six people were killed and 14 others injured in Russian airstrikes on the Ukrainian capital. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on the social media platform X that the regions of Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Chernihiv, and Cherkasy were targeted, affecting the energy sector and other vital infrastructure.
Zelenskyy also mentioned that four Russian drones entered the airspace of neighboring Moldova and Romania. He emphasized the importance of continued international assistance, including weapons and air defense systems, alongside diplomatic efforts and sanctions pressure on Russia.
Ukraine's Air Force claimed on Telegram that the country's air defenses shot down 438 out of 464 drones and 14 out of 22 missiles launched by Russia overnight. The ongoing accusations between Moscow and Kyiv come as both countries continue to target each other's energy facilities, with discussions underway on a US-drafted plan aimed at advancing peace efforts in Ukraine.