In the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, recent events have seen a surge in violence and casualties in the partially-occupied Ukrainian regions of Kherson and Luhansk.
Reports indicate that Ukrainian attacks in Kherson resulted in at least 28 fatalities, with 22 people killed in the town of Sadove and 6 in Luhansk following missile strikes. The attacks have left many wounded, prompting officials to declare days of mourning and cancel public events in the affected regions.
Amidst the violence, both sides have engaged in drone warfare, with Ukraine launching a series of drone attacks across Russian territory. Russia's Defense Ministry reported the destruction of 25 drones over various regions, while Ukrainian air defenses successfully shot down Russian drones over several Ukrainian regions.
The conflict has also seen territorial shifts, with Ukrainian forces claiming control over parts of Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region. However, the situation remains fluid, and independent verification of these claims is pending.
Furthermore, an attempt on the life of the ex-mayor of Kupiansk, a city in the Kharkiv region, was reported. The ex-mayor, who was labeled a 'traitor' by Ukrainian intelligence, was attacked in the Russian border region of Belgorod.
The intensification of hostilities in Kharkiv, Donetsk, Sumy, and Chernihiv regions suggests a coordinated offensive by Russia, testing Ukrainian defenses and escalating tensions in the conflict.
The situation remains volatile, with both sides engaged in deadly exchanges and strategic maneuvers as the conflict shows no signs of abating.
For more updates on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, visit AP's coverage.