Russian Attacks on Ukrainian Regions: A Devastating Toll on Civilians
On February 11, regional authorities in Ukraine reported that Russian attacks across multiple regions resulted in the deaths of at least three civilians and injured at least 17 others over the past day. These attacks underscore the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the relentless nature of the conflict, which continues to impact innocent lives and critical infrastructure.
Widespread Drone Attacks and Missile Strikes
Overnight, Russia launched an intensive wave of 124 Shahed-type combat and decoy drones, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. Ukrainian air defenses managed to shoot down 57 of these drones across 11 oblasts, while 64 others were neutralized before they could cause any damage. In addition to the drone attacks, Moscow’s forces also launched up to 19 cruise, ballistic, and guided missiles from various platforms, targeting key gas production facilities in Poltava Oblast. This strike damaged Naftogaz facilities and left nine settlements in the Myrhorod district without a gas supply, though Governor Filip Pronin reported no casualties in the region.
Regional Impact and Civilian Casualties
The attacks have caused significant damage and loss of life across multiple regions. In Kherson Oblast, two people were killed and six injured, with six high-rise buildings and 12 houses reportedly damaged. Governor Oleksandr Prokudin confirmed the casualties and the scale of destruction in the region. Dnipropetrovsk Oblast also bore the brunt of heavy drone and artillery attacks, injuring at least four people, including two women aged 18 and 44 in Nikopol, and a 67-year-old man and a 78-year-old woman in Marhanets. Governor Serhii Lysak noted that dozens of residential and other buildings were damaged in the region.
Debris and Infrastructure Damage in Other Regions
In Cherkasy Oblast, two men were injured by debris from downed Russian drones. Ukrainian air defenses successfully shot down 17 unmanned aerial vehicles, and the victims were hospitalized in moderate condition, according to Governor Ihor Taburets. Donetsk Oblast saw three injuries, with victims reported in Pokrovsk, Kostiantynivka, and Leontovychi. Governor Vadym Filashkin provided the details of the casualties in the region. Zaporizhzhia Oblast also experienced tragedy, with one person killed and two injured in Russian strikes against the Zaporizhzhia and Polohy districts, as reported by Governor Ivan Fedorov.
Kyiv and Beyond: Debris and Disruption
In Kyiv’s Solomianskyi district, debris from a downed drone ignited a fire at a non-residential building, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Elsewhere in Kyiv Oblast, a kindergarten and two school buildings were damaged, though no casualties were reported. These incidents highlight the pervasive nature of the attacks, which continue to disrupt daily life and pose a constant threat to civilians.
Ukraine’s Counter-Actions: Targeting Russian Infrastructure
Amid the ongoing attacks, Ukraine has also taken action to target Russian infrastructure. The Ukrainian military confirmed that it had struck the Saratov oil refinery in Russia. This facility is a critical producer of gasoline, fuel oil, and diesel fuel, manufacturing over 20 types of oil products. While the exact impact of the strike is not yet clear, it marks another escalation in the conflict and demonstrates Ukraine’s resolve to counter Russian aggression on multiple fronts.
Conclusion: A Grim Reminder of the Ongoing Conflict
The past day’s events serve as a grim reminder of the devastating toll of the ongoing conflict on civilians and infrastructure in Ukraine. The relentless drone and missile attacks, coupled with the destruction of critical facilities, underscore the urgent need for international support and diplomacy to bring an end to the violence. Each attack not only causes immediate suffering but also exacerbates the longer-term challenges facing Ukraine as it seeks to rebuild and protect its people.