Ukraine Under Fire: The Latest Russian Missile Strikes

Ukraine faced another wave of Russian missile strikes on April 6, 2025. The attacks hit multiple regions, including the capital Kyiv, where at least one person lost their life. The city's mayor, Vitali Klitschko, confirmed the casualty and reported injuries and fires in non-residential buildings. The strikes came amidst an ongoing pattern of long-range attacks by Russia on Ukrainian cities. The Ukrainian air force intercepted many of the incoming missiles and drones, but some managed to cause damage. The Russian assault included 23 missiles and 109 strike drones launched overnight. Ukraine's defense forces shot down 13 missiles and 40 drones, with an additional 53 drones failing in flight. Despite these efforts, damage was reported in several regions, including Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Khmelnytskyi, Cherkasy, and Mykolaiv. The strikes highlighted the ongoing conflict and the challenges Ukraine faces in protecting its citizens and infrastructure. Ukraine's leadership condemned the attacks, with Andriy Yermak, the head of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's office, accusing Russia of escalating violence and rejecting peace efforts. Yermak suggested that the international community must respond with greater force to deter further aggression. Zelenskyy echoed this sentiment, stating that the strikes were a response to diplomatic pressure and that more must be done to ensure security and peace. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that its forces shot down 11 Ukrainian drones overnight over three Russian regions. This exchange of fire comes as U. S. -brokered ceasefire negotiations continue. Both sides had previously agreed to freeze strikes on energy infrastructure and end attacks in the Black Sea, but accusations of violations have persisted. Ukraine has accused Russia of targeting civilians, with a recent attack in Kryvyi Rih killing 19 people, including nine children. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for continued pressure on Russia to end the war. He argued that the international community must not shy away from calling out Russia's actions and imposing additional sanctions. The president's statements reflect the ongoing struggle to find a peaceful resolution while facing relentless attacks.