Widespread Russian missile, drone attacks kill at least 5 in Ukraine
by Joe Fisher · UPIMarch 24 (UPI) -- Russia launched missile and drone strikes in 11 regions of Ukraine Tuesday, targeting residential areas and killing at least five people.
The Ukrainian air force said Russia launched 392 drones and dozens of missiles overnight. Ukraine's air defenses stopped 365 drones and 25 missiles.
Six missiles and 27 drones made it past the defenses, striking 22 locations across the country. Debris from the dispatched drones fell on 10 more locations.
At least 21 people were injured.
Some of the attacks struck major Ukrainian cities, including Poltava and Zaporizhzhia. Explosions were reported in those cities at about 3 a.m. local time, or about 9 p.m. EST on Monday.
Zaporizhzhia is home to Ukraine's largest nuclear power plant.
Ukraine's energy ministry said Russia was targeting its energy infrastructure. The Poltava and Zaporizhzhia regions reported the most civilian casualties.
Among those killed was a 61-year-old woman who was a passenger on an electric train in Kharkiv when it was struck by a drone.
In the Poltava region at least two people were killed and 12 injured when an apartment building and hotel were hit. Russia also struck a home in Kherson, killing a civilian who was inside.
At least six regions have reported power outages on Tuesday.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said the magnitude of these attacks demonstrates that Ukraine needs greater defenses.
"These numbers clearly show that more protection is needed to save lives from Russian strikes," Zelensky posted on social media. "It is important to continue supporting Ukraine."
Zelensky warned on Monday that Ukrainian intelligence was aware of potential attacks.
Historic March moments through the years
Founder of the Women's Tennis Association and tennis great Billie Jean King (C) smiles with representatives after speaking during an annual Women's History Month event in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Title IX in Statuary Hall at the U.S .Capitol in Washington on March 9, 2022. Women's History Month is celebrated every March. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo