Russian forces launched overnight drone attacks on key Ukrainian cities, striking infrastructure in Mikolaiv and Krivoi Rog in a new escalation of aerial assaults. Ukrainian officials described the attack on Krivoi Rog as the most extensive drone strike the city has experienced since the war began.
As reported by Digi24, at least seven drones were intercepted overnight in the Mikolaiv region, which provides Ukraine access to the Black Sea. Despite successful interceptions, emergency power outages were reported in the city, though it remains unclear whether they were precautionary or a direct result of the attack.
Krivoi Rog Hit by Massive Strike
In central Ukraine, the city of Krivoi Rog—President Volodymyr Zelensky’s hometown—was also targeted, with officials reporting at least 15 explosions. The strikes caused fires and damaged buildings, but no casualties were reported. “Apparently, this is how the occupiers ‘want peace’,” said Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the city's military administration, via Telegram.
Vilkul stressed that the damage was significant, but the absence of deaths or injuries was a relief. Ukrainian authorities continue to assess the full extent of the impact, as details regarding the intended targets remain unclear.
Black Sea Tensions Persist
The attacks come shortly after reports that the United States had brokered separate agreements with Ukraine and Russia to pause strikes around the Black Sea and on each other’s energy infrastructure. The specifics and implementation of these agreements remain uncertain.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed that its air defense systems shot down nine Ukrainian drones overnight, including two over the Black Sea. These developments underscore the fragile state of the region, where localized de-escalation efforts have yet to produce consistent results amid continued strikes and counterstrikes.
