Russian forces have initiated a wave of attacks across multiple regions of Ukraine, causing fatalities and significant concern in major urban centers. In Balakliia, located in the Kharkiv region, a strike resulted in the deaths of two people, according to Vitalii Karabanov, the head of the city's military administration. Karabanov confirmed the loss of life in a Telegram post, extending his condolences to the families of the victims while describing the consequences of the attack as terrible.
The capital, Kyiv, also came under fire on Friday evening. Ukrainian authorities reported that the city was targeted by ballistic missiles. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko issued an urgent warning to residents via Telegram at 19:32 local time (18:32 CEST), stating that air defense forces were active and urging citizens to remain in shelters while the city faced ballistic fire.
Meanwhile, the city of Odesa experienced repeated strikes, with two attacks occurring in quick succession. Local reports indicate that the second strike hit during ongoing rescue operations, leaving at least 10 people injured.
Further conflict developments reached Russia as well, where a drone struck a cooling tower at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant early on Thursday. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed on Friday that it was aware of the incident, noting that while the power station remained operational, there was no fire and operations had continued. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi warned against further military activity near nuclear infrastructure, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining maximum restraint to avoid the risk of a nuclear accident.
