As Deutschlandfunk reports, Ukraine and Russia have continued their mutual air strikes. Drones and missiles were used again. The cities of Zaporizhzhia and Odesa in southern Ukraine were particularly affected.
According to Deutschlandfunk, several explosions were reported in Zaporizhzhia. The city, which lies near the front line, is regularly targeted by Russian attacks. Odesa, the important Black Sea port city, was also attacked. Details on damage or casualties were initially not disclosed.
Russia, for its part, reported the downing of Ukrainian drones over several regions, according to Deutschlandfunk. The mutual attacks are part of the ongoing war that has been going on for more than two years. Both sides are increasingly relying on drones and missiles to hit military and infrastructure targets.
Ukraine had previously repeatedly called for Western weapons to defend against Russian air strikes. Russia, in turn, accuses Ukraine of hitting civilian targets with drone attacks. The reports from both sides often cannot be independently verified.
Deutschlandfunk points out that the attacks on Zaporizhzhia and Odesa are part of a series of air strikes that have intensified in recent weeks. The Ukrainian air force says it has intercepted some of the Russian missiles and drones. Nevertheless, hits continue to occur, causing damage to infrastructure.
In Odesa, which is of great importance to the Ukrainian economy as a grain export port, port facilities were again attacked, according to Deutschlandfunk. The city has been the target of Russian attacks multiple times, which, according to Ukrainian sources, have also hit civilian ships and grain storage facilities.
Russia justifies its attacks with the aim of weakening Ukrainian military infrastructure. Ukraine sees this as an illegal war of aggression under international law. International organizations such as the United Nations have repeatedly called for de-escalation, but so far without success.
The mutual drone and missile attacks have increased in recent months. Both sides have expanded their capacities for producing and deploying drones. Experts see this as a new phase of the war in which air strikes play an increasingly important role.
Deutschlandfunk concludes by reporting that the situation in the affected areas remains tense. Authorities in Zaporizhzhia and Odesa have called on the population to take shelter. According to observers, a relaxation of the situation is not in sight for the time being.
