**Title: Russian Drones Strike Central Kyiv, Leaving 11 Wounded Amid Ongoing Attacks**
On Wednesday morning, Russian drones targeted central Kyiv, resulting in injuries to 11 individuals and damage to both residential and university buildings. This incident marks the seventh consecutive day of intense aerial assaults on the Ukrainian capital and its surrounding areas, significantly disrupting daily life for residents.
The drone attack occurred during daylight hours while students were attending classes at a downtown university. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reported that approximately 160 students were forced to seek shelter amidst the chaos. The ongoing air campaign has raised concerns as it has already claimed numerous civilian lives and severely affected logistical operations within the city.
In conjunction with the Kyiv strikes, Russian forces also launched missile and drone attacks on power facilities in the southern Odesa region, resulting in power outages affecting over 350,000 homes. The escalating air campaign has prompted President Zelenskiy to express frustration over the perceived lack of international response to Russia's renewed aggression. He noted on social media platform X that the world’s influential leaders have not adequately addressed the situation.
Earlier in the day, two fatalities and eight injuries were reported from strikes in the southeastern city of Dnipro, where critical infrastructure, including food warehouses and educational buildings, sustained damage. The regional governor confirmed the casualties, highlighting the ongoing threat to civilian safety across Ukraine.
As the drone strikes continued, loud explosions resonated throughout central Kyiv, with air defense systems actively engaging incoming threats. Although the drones were launched in small numbers, they triggered multiple air raid alerts, causing significant disruptions to public transport and forcing lawmakers to take shelter underground during parliamentary sessions. Parts of the city's metro system were temporarily suspended, compelling residents to seek alternative means of transportation during the alerts.
The situation has prompted discussions among local officials regarding the wartime curfew and traffic restrictions. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko indicated that the city’s defense council had made appeals to the government to reconsider these measures to ease the burden on residents.
In response to the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has taken steps to disrupt Russian logistics and economic infrastructure, aiming to weaken the adversary's war efforts. On Wednesday, Ukrainian officials announced a request to the International Civil Aviation Organization, seeking a ban on the use of Russian airspace by member states. This move is intended to facilitate Ukrainian strikes and follows Zelenskiy's warning to airlines and insurance companies about the dangers posed by Ukrainian drones operating in the region.
President Zelenskiy has also ordered an increase in Ukraine's long-range drone strikes on Russia, aiming to escalate the current operations from 300 to 1,000 strikes per day. This strategic shift underscores Ukraine's commitment to countering Russian aggression as the conflict enters its fifth year.
As the situation continues to evolve, the impact of these drone strikes and the broader conflict remains a pressing concern for residents of Kyiv and the Ukrainian government. The ongoing attacks not only threaten civilian safety but also challenge the resilience of the nation's infrastructure and logistical capabilities.