A Russian airstrike overnight targeted a factory in Sumy, a city in northern Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of two women and injuries to at least 11 others, according to Ukrainian authorities.
The factory, which produced packaging for baby food, juices, and household goods, was severely damaged in the attack, as reported by Ukraine's Prosecutor General's office.
Tragically, one of the injured later succumbed to their wounds in the hospital, while another victim's body was recovered from the rubble. The strike also ignited a fire, leading officials to advise residents to stay indoors and close their windows due to air pollution concerns.
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Sumy, located near the Russian border, has been a frequent target of Russian attacks, especially since Ukraine's cross-border incursion into Russia's Kursk region on August 6. Meanwhile, Moscow's forces continue their push toward the strategic city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine.
In a separate incident, a drone strike hit an industrial site in Poltava, central Ukraine, though no casualties were reported, according to regional governor Filip Pronin.
Ukraine's Air Force announced it successfully shot down 12 of the 18 drones launched by Russia across five regions during the night. Additionally, Russia deployed an Iskander-M missile in the attack, although further details were not provided.
In the southern port city of Odesa, authorities confirmed an explosion on Thursday evening following a ballistic air alert but offered no further information.
Russia continues to deny intentionally targeting civilians despite the thousands of deaths and injuries caused by its strikes since the conflict began in February 2022.
