Eight killed, at least 13 injured in Russian drone and missile attacks in Ukraine

Eight killed, at least 13 injured in Russian drone and missile attacks in Ukraine

Kyiv, February 1, 2025: On Saturday, Russia launched drone and missile attacks across various regions of Ukraine, killing eight people and damaging several residential buildings and energy infrastructure, according to Ukrainian officials.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that a Russian missile struck a residential building in the central city of Poltava, resulting in eight deaths and 13 injuries, including three children. The ministry shared photos on the Telegram messaging app, showing several top floors of the building destroyed, with thick columns of smoke rising into the sky. Firefighters and rescuers were searching through the rubble.

In Kharkiv, in the northeast, one person was killed and four others injured in a drone strike, according to the city’s mayor. Additionally, three police officers were killed while patrolling in a village in the Sumy region.

"Last night, Russia attacked our cities using various types of weapons: missiles, attack drones, and aerial bombs," said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He added that the attacks caused damage in six regions. "Each such terrorist attack proves that we need more support in defending ourselves against Russian terror. Every air defense system, every anti-missile weapon saves lives," he said.

In Poltava, a small city located about 120 kilometers (75 miles) from the Russian border, 18 apartment buildings, a kindergarten, and energy infrastructure were damaged, according to city authorities.