Widespread Attacks Across Ukraine and Inside Russia
In the early hours of February 12, Russia launched a major assault on Ukraine, employing ballistic missiles and drones to strike the cities of Kyiv, Dnipro, and Odesa. Simultaneously, explosions were reported on Russian territory. In Kyiv's Darnytskyi district, a private house suffered a direct hit. The attack on Dnipro resulted in injuries to two children: an infant and a 4-year-old girl. Odesa also sustained strikes, damaging an infrastructure facility and a business center building. These attacks come as part of a prolonged and brutal conflict that has seen civilian areas repeatedly targeted.
Explosions and Fires on Russian Soil
In response, a series of attacks were recorded inside Russia. In Bryansk Oblast, strikes by jet-powered drones caused explosions on the outskirts of Bryansk and in the towns of Dyatkovo, Fokino, and Sel'tso, leading to power outages in Bryansk city. In Michurinsk, Tambov Oblast, explosions triggered a fire at the Progress plant, which specializes in developing and manufacturing high-precision instrument equipment for aviation and missile technology. This conflict has increasingly seen military and industrial sites far from the front lines become targets.
A further attack occurred in Volgograd Oblast, where explosions were heard in the Kotluban settlement near an arsenal of the Russian Defense Ministry's Main Rocket and Artillery Directorate. The governor of Volgograd Oblast, Andrey Bocharov, confirmed the attack and fire, stating that falling debris on the site's territory caused ammunition to detonate.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko urged residents to stay in shelters due to the Russian attack, noting that Russia is targeting infrastructure objects.
The crisis in Ukraine and the reciprocal actions by Russia are causing heightened alarm across the region. These events underscore a significant escalation in the now years-long conflict. The strategic strikes on Ukrainian cities and the corresponding attacks within Russia point to rising tensions and a dangerous complexity that could have severe consequences for regional security. Statements from Ukrainian officials about the need to take shelter highlight the acute threat to civilians, demanding urgent attention from the international community.