At least 28 killed in Ukraine, Zelenskiy condemns one of Russia’s most ‘vile strikes’

On October 7, Russia launched a devastating barrage of missiles and drones at Ukraine, with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemning the attack as one of its most "vile strikes." At least 28 people were killed, including children, and the damage extended to industrial facilities and energy infrastructure. The heart of the devastation occurred in Pryluky, a northern Chernihiv region town, where a Russian missile destroyed a five-story residential building, claiming 20 lives, five of them children.

Two additional deaths were reported in Kyiv due to falling debris from a drone. Zelenskiy highlighted that the strikes aligned with Russian President Vladimir Putin's birthday, stating that this was the kind of birthday gift Putin had given himself: the deaths of children and civilians. The Russian forces fired 70 missiles and launched dozens of Shahed attack drones, aiming to inflict pain and demonstrate their capabilities.

Ukrainian air defenses managed to intercept over 80% of the incoming Shahed drones, a significant improvement from recent weeks. Despite the intense attacks, Zelenskiy remained determined, vowing to continue seeking Patriot missile interception systems to protect lives. Ukraine received a €1.2 billion European Union aid package, which will be channeled towards defense needs.

The conflict has prompted civilians in Kyiv to take shelter in the city's metro stations, with explosions echoing through the capital during the night.