Ukraine Mourns Victims of Major Russian Strike, Promises Underground Arms Production

Funeral services were conducted in Poltava, Ukraine, on Saturday for victims of one of the deadliest airstrikes executed by Russia since the onset of the war. The attack, which targeted a military training facility, resulted in over 50 fatalities and injured more than 300 individuals.

At the Cathedral of the Assumption in Poltava, situated approximately 350 kilometers southeast of Kyiv, hundreds gathered to pay their respects. Among them were mourners, local residents, and officials, all present for a profoundly moving ceremony. Grieving relatives, holding red carnations, stood beside caskets draped in yellow-and-blue Ukrainian flags. The somber atmosphere was pierced by the sound of an air raid siren during the service.

As hearses transported the victims to a military cemetery on the outskirts of the city for burial, local residents knelt in a moment of silent tribute, reflecting the heartbreak that the community is enduring.

In recent weeks, Russia has escalated its missile and drone strikes aimed at key infrastructure in Ukraine, with energy facilities becoming primary targets. These relentless attacks are particularly concerning as the country faces another severe winter, with approximately 70% of Ukraine’s power generation capacity compromised, disrupting heat and water supplies.

The tumult of explosions resonated over Kyiv as multiple Russian drones were shot down by the city’s air defense systems overnight. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries or significant damage stemming from these incursions.

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, 67 drones were launched across the nation during the night. Air defense systems were engaged across 11 regions, resulting in the downing of 58 drones, while electronic weapon systems neutralized three additional drones. Debris from one of the drones was discovered on the street outside the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament. Fortunately, no casualties or damage were reported at the parliament building.

In another incident, a Russian artillery attack on Saturday in Kostiantynivka, an eastern Ukrainian city, resulted in the deaths of three men and left three others injured. The attack also caused significant damage to a high-rise building and local power lines, according to Donetsk region Governor Vadym Filashkin.

Later on Friday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that the death toll from the September 3 strike at the Military Institute of Communications in Poltava had tragically increased to 55, with 328 individuals injured. He described the severity of some injuries, noting instances of amputations and internal organ damage.

Zelenskyy emphasized the continuous threat posed by Russian missile and drone attacks, which persist day and night. He reiterated the need for the removal of restrictions on Western-supplied arms that could be utilized against Russian territory, asserting Ukraine’s commitment to boost its domestic weapon manufacturing.

“We are establishing underground weapons production facilities so that our soldiers can defend themselves, even if there are delays in supplies from our partners,” he stated.

Highlighting the development of new drones and missiles, Zelenskyy expressed optimism in turning the tide of war against Russia, declaring that eventually, Russian President Vladimir Putin would be compelled to seek peace.

Meanwhile, Ukraine is also conducting its own strikes against Russian positions. In the Voronezh region, a drone strike reportedly ignited a fire and led to the explosion of various explosive materials. Governor Aleksandr Gusev noted that a state of emergency had been declared in the Ostrogozhsky district, prompting the evacuation of several villages without disclosing their specific names. Residents were cautioned against sharing photos or videos of the incident to prevent geolocation risks.

Recent developments illustrate the ongoing intensity of the conflict in Ukraine, with both sides under constant threats and casualties mounting as the war continues.

Source: AP