Thu Sep 19 06:49:00 UTC 2024: ## Russia Strikes Ukrainian Geriatric Center, Killing One, in New Wave of Airstrikes
**KYIV, Ukraine** – Russian forces launched a series of airstrikes on Thursday, targeting the energy sector and a geriatric center in the city of Sumy, killing at least one civilian and injuring 12 others. The strikes come as Ukraine faces a critical winter with a potential electricity supply shortfall reaching a third of peak demand.
A Russian guided bomb struck a five-story building housing the geriatric center, prompting the evacuation of elderly patients. Images from the scene showed patients lying on the ground, covered in blankets, after being evacuated from the damaged building. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported 90 guided bomb attacks in the past 24 hours.
While the situation remains difficult in Donetsk region, particularly near Pokrovsk and Kurakhove, Ukrainian forces have managed to weaken the Russian offensive potential in the area. Meanwhile, Russia claims to have captured the village of Heorhiivka, east of Kurakhove.
Overnight, Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted all 42 drones and one missile launched by Russian forces. However, the Sumy region has been repeatedly targeted this week, resulting in power outages in several areas.
The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine condemned Russia’s attacks on energy infrastructure, deeming them a violation of international humanitarian law. The attacks endanger essential services, including water and heating, and threaten public health, education, and the economy.
The European Union expressed concern over the situation by dismantling a fuel power plant in Lithuania to be rebuilt in Ukraine and increasing electricity exports.
Moscow maintains that targeting energy infrastructure is a legitimate military objective and dismisses accusations of war crimes.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Ukraine launched a counteroffensive in the Kursk region of Russia, seizing over 100 settlements. Russian forces have reportedly taken back two villages in the region while also advancing in eastern Ukraine.
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