Russia Fires Over 380 Times at Ukrainian Cities Amid Ongoing War

On May 4, 2024, Russian troops launched a massive attack on Ukrainian cities and regions, firing over 380 times at targets including Kharkiv, Chernihiv, and Odesa. According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian air defense systems destroyed 13 enemy drones during the assault.

Why this matters: The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has significant implications for global security and stability, and the use of advanced weaponry like drones raises concerns about the potential for escalation. The international community's response to this crisis will have a lasting impact on the future of international relations and conflict resolution.

President Zelenskyy emphasized the urgent need for timely and sufficient decisions on air defense systems and weapon supplies to protect Ukrainian lives. "Timely and sufficient decisions on air defence for Ukraine and timely weapon supplies for our warriors are what we need right now to protect lives," he stated.

The scale of Russian aggression is immense, with Russian terrorists shelling Ukrainian cities and regions more than 380 times in a single week, a pattern that has continued every week of the war. President Zelenskyy highlighted that Russia's daily deliberate terror against Ukrainian people, cities, and villages can be stopped with the help of Ukraine's partners who possess the necessary systems and weapons.

The overnight drone attack targeted Ukraine's Kharkiv and Dnipro regions, injuring at least six people, including a 13-year-old child and a woman. Critical infrastructure, commercial, and residential buildings were hit, with debris from downed drones striking civilian targets in Kharkiv and sparking a fire in an office building.

Oleh Synehubov, Kharkiv regional governor, reported that "A 13-year-old child and a woman were being treated at a hospital. Two other women were treated on site." Serhiy Lysak, Dnipropetrovsk regional governor, stated that "A critical infrastructure facility and three houses were damaged."

The attack on May 4 is part of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has seen widespread destruction and loss of life since its start in February 2022. Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, has been under heavy attack by Russian forces, with residential areas, critical infrastructure, and civilian buildings being targeted.

As the war continues, Ukrainian and U.S. officials have reported that Russia has been using North Korean-produced missiles to attack Ukraine. There are concerns that Russian forces may be preparing for a large-scale offensive in late spring or summer, aiming to capture more land in Ukraine's partially occupied Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts.

The latest attackon May 4, 2024, underscores the ongoing threat faced by Ukrainian cities and the urgent need for continued international support. President Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to Ukraine's partners who understand the importance of supplying air defense equipment to support Ukraine's defense efforts against Russia's relentless aggression.

Key Takeaways

• Russia launches massive attack on Ukraine, firing over 380 times at targets including Kharkiv, Chernihiv, and Odesa.
• Ukrainian air defense systems destroy 13 enemy drones during the assault.
• At least 6 people, including a 13-year-old child, injured in overnight drone attack on Kharkiv and Dnipro regions.
• Russia's daily terror against Ukraine can be stopped with help from Ukraine's partners who possess necessary systems and weapons.
• Ukraine's President Zelenskyy urges timely and sufficient decisions on air defense systems and weapon supplies to protect Ukrainian lives.