Sat Feb 01 19:43:24 UTC 2025: ## Russian Missile Barrage Kills 12 Civilians in Ukraine
**KYIV, Ukraine** – A fresh wave of Russian missile and drone attacks across Ukraine has resulted in the deaths of at least 12 civilians and widespread damage to infrastructure, Ukrainian officials reported Sunday. The Saturday night assault targeted residential areas and energy facilities in at least six regions.
The Ukrainian Air Force stated that Russia launched over 120 drones and more than 40 missiles, claiming to have intercepted a significant portion. However, the attacks inflicted heavy casualties. Eight people, including a child, were killed when a missile struck a residential building in Poltava, injuring 17 more. In Kharkiv, a woman died and four were wounded in a drone attack. Three police officers were also killed in Sumy while patrolling. In total, the attacks caused damage to approximately 18 buildings, a kindergarten, and critical energy infrastructure.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed damage in Kharkiv, Khmelnytskyi, Kyiv, Odesa, Sumy, and Zaporizhia regions, emphasizing the urgent need for increased international support to counter Russian aggression. He described the attacks as “terrorist attacks” and reiterated the life-saving potential of enhanced air defenses.
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed its attacks targeted Ukrainian energy infrastructure and reported shooting down numerous Ukrainian drones. However, their claims remain unverified and stand in stark contrast to the devastation reported on the ground in Ukraine.
The attacks mark the latest escalation in the nearly three-year-long conflict, showing no signs of abating despite recent statements from both US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin expressing openness to negotiations. While both leaders have indicated a willingness to discuss ending the war, no concrete plans for talks have been announced. This latest attack further underscores the urgent humanitarian crisis and ongoing need for international assistance in Ukraine.
First Piper 