Russian missiles and drones killed at least eight civilians and injured 35 others in Ukraine on Monday, prompting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to describe the incidents as “horrific attacks.”
One missile strike targeting infrastructure in the central city of Dnipro resulted in five deaths and 29 injuries, according to Zelenskyy. In the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, Russian drones hit a passenger minibus, killing three people and wounding six, including a child. Additionally, drones in the northeastern Sumy region killed an elderly couple, the National Police reported. Attacks were noted in at least six other regions across Ukraine.
These strikes also caused power outages for some customers in eight regions, as increased electricity demand due to hot weather and air conditioner use strained the grid, operator Ukrenergo stated.
Zelenskyy reiterated his call for European nations to accelerate the development of anti-ballistic missile defense systems, which he described as essential for protecting citizens from difficult-to-intercept ballistic missiles. "People need greater protection from such horrific attacks," Zelenskyy said. "Above all, we need anti-ballistic capabilities."
Recent shifts in the conflict, as noted by Western officials, include Ukraine's increasing use of drones. These attacks have led to fuel shortages in Russia and Russian-occupied territories, disrupting Russian military supply lines and slowing advances in eastern and southern Ukraine, according to analysts. Ukraine's advancements in drone technology have positioned it as a global leader in military drone application, and it is now assisting partner countries after previously seeking foreign military aid.
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged on Sunday that Ukrainian long-range drone strikes on Russian oil facilities have contributed to fuel shortages and public frustration. However, Putin stated that Russia would not make concessions to end the invasion and expressed confidence in Russia's ultimate victory, characterizing current setbacks as "temporary."
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov affirmed that Russia's stance on Ukraine remains unchanged, with Russian troops continuing their offensive operations. He expressed confidence that "our goals will be achieved."
The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, characterized Russia's position as an attempt to pressure the West and Ukraine into accepting Russia's demands. However, the institute also noted that Russia's battlefield performance has declined, raising questions about its military capability to achieve its objectives.
Russia's Defense Ministry reported downing 209 Ukrainian drones between Sunday late and Monday early. Ukraine's air force stated it intercepted 82 out of 108 drones launched by Russia overnight.