Kehinde Adegoke | International Agencies
Russia escalated its assault on Ukraine over the weekend, firing more than 200 missiles and drones in one of the heaviest barrages of the war.
The strikes came amid U.S. intelligence warnings that Vladimir Putin may be preparing to test NATO’s resolve with an attack on a Baltic state.
Odesa bore the brunt of the overnight blitz, leaving a dozen injured and damaging the city’s largest sports arena, Chornomorets Stadium. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the seaport was hit, warning, “In this way, the Russians are at war with the world’s food security.”
In Kharkiv, missiles slammed into a high-rise apartment block, killing three and wounding 37. Footage showed smoke billowing from the ten-storey building as emergency crews rushed to the scene.
Ukraine retaliated with drone strikes on Russia’s Belgorod region, killing five and injuring 24. Meanwhile, Kyiv claimed three successful attacks on Russian oil tankers and cargo ships in the Black Sea, intensifying the battle over logistics and supply lines.
The Wall Street Journal reported scenarios ranging from cyberattacks to small-scale incursions, designed to challenge NATO’s Article 5 commitment that an attack on one member is an attack on all. Analysts warn such a move could come anytime between this autumn and 2029.
Russia’s defence ministry said its strikes targeted fuel storage facilities “used in the interests” of Ukraine’s military. Ukraine’s energy ministry confirmed power outages in Odesa affecting tens of thousands, though electricity was restored to 90,000 residents by Sunday morning.
The Vatican added its voice to calls for peace, with Pope Leo urging an end to the four-year war: “Tragic incidents are multiplying, causing an ever-growing number of civilian victims, including children.”
