Russian and Ukrainian strikes kill at least 16 in latest exchanges
Authorities in Russia and Ukraine reported at least 16 deaths over 24 hours from drone and missile attacks. Ukrainian officials said Russian strikes killed people in Sumy, Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk, while Moscow-installed officials reported deaths from Ukrainian attacks in occupied areas and Russian regions. The UN has warned of growing civilian casualties as long-range strikes on infrastructure intensify.
The war has entered its fifth year, with both sides intensifying long-range attacks after the bloodiest summer since 2022. US-led efforts to halt the fighting have yet to produce a breakthrough, while the Kremlin continues to state its aim of taking remaining eastern Ukrainian territory.
In the past day, Ukrainian authorities reported six deaths from Russian strikes in Sumy, Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk, including a 17-year-old girl. Russian-appointed officials said Ukrainian attacks killed four in Krasnodar and Belgorod, plus others in occupied Kherson and Zaporizhzhia areas. UN officials warn civilian casualties are rising.
The continued exchanges could deepen civilian suffering, especially in front-line and occupied communities where homes, businesses and infrastructure are damaged. Families in Kyiv and other cities may face another winter with disrupted services and heightened anxiety. Rising casualties may also increase pressure on international mediators, though talks have not yet yielded a breakthrough.