Drones Strike Odesa as Ukraine Hits Back in Crimea

In the early hours, a drone attack on Odesa left two people dead and at least 17 hurt. The victims included a married couple, and three children were among the injured. The drone hit a residential building, causing significant damage and trapping residents inside. Meanwhile, Ukraine launched a counterattack in Crimea. They used special drones to target the Kirovske military airfield. Reports suggest that three helicopters and an anti-aircraft system were destroyed in the strike. Russia has not commented on the attacks. However, their Defense Ministry claims to have shot down over 40 Ukrainian drones in the same time frame. Drones have become a major part of this war. Both sides are using them to strike targets far behind enemy lines. These long-range attacks have turned the conflict into a testing ground for new drone technology. Ukrainian drones have had some impressive successes. In June, they managed to destroy or damage nearly a third of Russia's strategic bomber fleet. They did this using cheap, homemade drones smuggled into Russia. Smaller drones are also used on the battlefield. They are often deployed near the front lines, which stretch for about 1, 000 kilometers. The human cost of this war is staggering. According to the U. N. , drones have killed at least 395 civilians and injured 2, 635 since the war began. Almost 90% of these attacks were carried out by Russian forces. In total, more than 13, 300 civilians have died, and over 34, 700 have been injured in the conflict.