KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A Russian drone struck an apartment building in northeastern Ukraine during the early morning hours of January 30, 2025, leading to at least six deaths and nine injuries, including those of children. The attack occurred just after 1 a.m. when the Shahed drone blew out walls and shattered windows of the residential structure, according to the Sumy regional administration.
The drone strike resulted in the evacuation of 120 residents, with four people rescued from the wreckage, showcasing the urgent response of emergency services in the northeastern city of Sumy. Local authorities reported devastating details, indicating the victims included three married couples, lamenting the personal losses as the region grieved.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded strongly to the incident, labeling it “a terrible tragedy, a terrible Russian crime.” He emphasized the importance of continued international pressure on Russia, tweeting, “It is very important for the world not to stop putting pressure on Russia for this terror.” His remarks reflect the broader humanitarian concerns amid the incessant conflict which has seen over 10,000 civilian casualties since it escalated nearly three years ago.
The drone strike is part of Russia’s sustained aerial campaign against Ukraine, wherein over 81 drones targeted multiple cities overnight. While the Ukrainian military successfully intercepted 37 of these drones, they still faced considerable damage across various locations, including residential areas and businesses.
Authorities shared harrowing footage of emergency responders sifting through debris, desperately seeking survivors amid the ruins, with Sumy Governor Volodymyr Artyukh emphasizing the need for residents to abandon the region. “Anyone who still remains in the Donetsk region is putting themselves in mortal danger. Take care of yourself! Evacuate,” urged Vadym Filashkin, Donetsk regional head, as the air raid threats continue.
This drone incident aligns with the intensifying conflict dynamics, particularly as Russian forces are leveraging Iranian-made Shahed drones to increase the potential for civilian casualties, employing explosives weighing up to 90 kilograms. The strategic choice of the Shahed drones, as indicated by Ukraine’s Presidential Office head Andrii Yermak, emphasizes the grim ability of these weapons to amplify destruction within urban settings.
The relentless fighting is particularly fierce along the eastern frontlines, where Russian troops are reportedly advancing with greater intensity, aiming to capture larger swathes of territory. Notably, the eastern Donetsk region remains under significant threat as artillery exchanges between opposing forces escalate.
Efforts to bolster Ukraine’s defensive capabilities are also underway. The military has adopted aggressive tactics to counter aerial threats, as evidenced by their successful interceptions. Nevertheless, the rapid pace of Russia’s drone campaigns poses continuous challenges.
The attack on Sumy devastated civilian life, leading to significant damage not only to the apartment building but also affecting over 20 cars parked nearby. The potential for additional casualties looms large as Russian forces pursue drone and artillery assaults across multiple fronts.
Despite Moscow’s assertions of not targeting civilians, the realities on the ground tell another story. The citizens of Ukraine continue to bear the brunt of these assaults, where care for civilians, heating disruptions, and access to water become daily torment.
With each strike, the calls for international support and accountability arise, reinforcing the need for the world community to respond effectively to this distressing humanitarian crisis. The need for cohesive action against Russian aggression remains pivotal as Ukrainians navigate their harsh circumstances and contend with near-daily fears of renewed attacks.
The terrifying persistence of these aerial assaults provides no respite for Ukraine, where both military and civilian lives hang perilously as the conflict nears its third anniversary, dismissing signs of resolution.