Tragic events unfolded in Ukraine on Friday as Russian airstrikes claimed the lives of at least eight individuals, among them two children, while Kyiv reported the downing of a Russian strategic bomber, a significant event in the ongoing conflict.
Moscow cited a technical malfunction as the cause of a military plane crash within Russian territory, returning from a combat mission.
The strikes targeted the eastern Dnipropetrovsk region, resulting in further casualties and destruction, according to officials.
In response, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba condemned the attacks, highlighting the loss of innocent lives, including children, and emphasized the need for a robust air defense system to safeguard against such tragedies.
President Volodymyr Zelensky echoed this sentiment, urging Ukraine’s allies to provide essential air defense systems to bolster the country’s defense capabilities.
Meanwhile, reports emerged of Ukraine’s successful downing of a Russian long-range strategic bomber, a significant blow to Russian forces. The bomber, reportedly returning from a mission over Ukraine, crashed in the southern Stavropol region, with casualties reported among the crew.
As tensions escalate and casualties mount, Ukraine’s plea for international support grows louder, with the US House of Representatives preparing for a crucial vote on military aid to Ukraine.
The conflict continues to exact a heavy toll on both sides, with civilian casualties and infrastructure damage worsening the humanitarian crisis in the region.
