Fighting between Russia and Ukraine has intensified sharply, with Russia launching a retaliatory offensive shortly after Ukraine reportedly attacked Moscow with more than 1,000 drones. Russian forces carried out an air strike on a civilian evacuation hub in Kramatorsk, in eastern Ukraine. The strike is believed to be revenge for Ukraine’s attack the previous day.
Russian drone strikes on the Kyiv region also triggered a massive fire at a local warehouse. The attacks caused heavy property damage, and several civilians were injured. A full account of the damage and casualties has not yet been released.
Russian authorities said their forces struck targets in 146 locations across Ukraine. According to Moscow, the air strikes hit transport infrastructure, weapons depots, drone storage facilities, and areas where Ukrainian troops and foreign mercenaries were stationed. These claims come from the Russian side and have not been independently verified.
Amid the escalation, remarks by a close associate of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have drawn attention. Ukrainian journalist Dmytro Gordon, described as one of Zelensky’s closest confidants, said Ukraine will soon “grow wings.” He said he was certain that something giving the country great hope would happen within days, but that he could not reveal what it was, calling it a military secret.
Gordon said the development would come within a week or two. He gave no further details, and there has been no official confirmation from the Ukrainian government. His comments have fueled speculation about a possible new military development, while the fighting continues to take a toll on civilians.