8 Ukrainian civilians wounded in Russian strikes as both threaten to raise the stakes

Eight Ukrainian civilians sustained injuries in Russian airstrikes on Kyiv and Odesa regions overnight and Wednesday morning, according to local officials. The Ukrainian air force reported that both areas bore the brunt of the latest attacks on the country. The ongoing conflict, now in its fifth year since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has seen an intensification of the air war.

The front line in eastern and southern Ukraine remains largely static, with peace talks between the two nations yet to yield a resolution. On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy exchanged threats regarding their next moves. Zelenskyy cautioned foreign airlines about the safety of flying over Russia due to Ukrainian long-range drone attacks, asserting that "Russian airspace will effectively be closing."

He claimed the military pressure aims to compel Russia to accept peace negotiations. Putin labeled Zelenskyy's actions as "state terrorism" and stated, "We don't negotiate with terrorists." During a late-night press conference at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Kyrgyzstan, Putin addressed reports of Ukrainian military using British-made drones to strike targets inside Russia, hinting that "it's a military secret" if Russia retaliates by targeting British military facilities.

Meanwhile, China and North Korea have provided military support for Russia, with Iran having done so in the past. Both leaders' comments emerged as European officials grappled with how to respond to what they described as Russia's campaign of sabotage and disruption across Europe, aimed at undermining support for Ukraine. Germany recently attributed an attempted attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport to a Russian drone carrying explosives.

In Odesa, Russia struck a 24-story apartment building, causing damage to several floors and wounding eight people, including a child. Office buildings and educational facilities were also damaged, disrupting public transport and causing a power outage. The barrage resulted in a child being injured.