The Air Force in Ukraine reported that they had shot down 17 Russian “Shahed” explosive drones in various oblasts, including Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Poltava. The drones were said to have departed from an occupied base in Crimea and were all successfully taken down. Kharkiv authorities also reported a drone attack that caused damage in the city, although it is unclear whether this was related to the same incident. Russian forces have continued to target civilian areas far from the front line, with recent bombardments aimed at energy infrastructure, posing a threat to Ukraine’s grid and leaving civilians vulnerable in front-line regions.
Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, experienced another attack overnight, resulting in three injuries. The local authorities reported damage to several buildings, a kindergarten, and cars due to the drone attack. The city of Lozova, located south of Kharkiv, was also targeted by the “Shahed” drones. In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Russian drones targeted areas such as Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, and Kamianske, with Ukraine’s air defense successfully taking down several drones. Falling debris from the drones caused damage to buildings and vehicles, but there were no casualties reported. The governor of Poltava Oblast has not reported any drone attacks in his region as of now.
In addition to the drone attacks, Russian troops fired an Kh-31 air-to-surface missile from occupied Luhansk Oblast and an Iskander-M ballistic missile from occupied Crimea. The targets of these missiles were not disclosed, and it is unclear whether they were shot down. Ukraine’s military in the south reported that an undisclosed site in Odesa was hit by an Iskander-M missile overnight. Meanwhile, Russia’s Engels air base came under attack on April 5, with sources in military intelligence claiming it was a drone strike on one of Russia’s strategically important military installations. This attack could potentially change how Russia conducts its military operations.
The ongoing attacks by Russian forces, including the use of drones and missiles targeting civilian areas and infrastructure, have raised concerns about the safety and security of civilians living in front-line regions in Ukraine. The recent intensification of bombardments, particularly targeting energy infrastructure, poses a significant threat to Ukraine’s grid and could potentially lead to widespread power outages. The resilience of Ukraine’s air defense in taking down the drones demonstrates the country’s efforts to push back against Russian aggression and protect its citizens.
The attacks by Russian forces in various oblasts in Ukraine highlight the escalating conflict and the significant impact on civilian populations. The destruction caused by the drone attacks, as well as the potential threat posed by missiles targeting strategic locations, further exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in the region. The resilience and defense capabilities of Ukraine’s military remain crucial in protecting the country’s sovereignty and safeguarding its citizens from further harm. International support for Ukraine in this ongoing conflict is vital to ensure the protection of civilians and the stability of the region amidst escalating tensions with Russia.
