Massive Airstrikes Kill 25 Civilians... "A Birthday Gift for Putin"

[Anchor]

Russia has launched nationwide attacks across Ukraine, leaving 25 civilians dead. The strikes coincided with Russian President Vladimir Putin's birthday, prompting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to condemn the Russian military for delivering such a "gift."

Reporter Ha Jeongyeon has the details.

[Reporter]

In the northern Ukrainian region of Chernihiv, an apartment hit by bombings has been reduced to ruins as rescue workers are busy searching through the debris.

On the 7th local time, the Russian military mobilized 70 ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones to attack locations across Ukraine, including Kyiv.

Buildings collapsed and fires broke out in various areas, killing at least 25 civilians and injuring about 100 others.

[Sirenko Danyil / Deputy Mayor of Pryluky: This attack was the most powerful airstrike in the history of our city. The loss of numerous lives is a huge tragedy and the most heartbreaking loss for our city.]

The day of the massive airstrikes also marked Russian President Vladimir Putin's 74th birthday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the Russian military for destroying residential buildings as if giving a birthday present to President Putin.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Ukrainian President: This is the gift Putin gave himself on his birthday: killing children, killing people.]

Following a series of strikes on Ukraine's energy facilities, Russia has recently expanded its attacks to bridges in Ukrainian city centers, disrupting transportation networks.

On the other hand, Russia denies targeting civilian facilities, claiming it is attacking Ukraine's military-related infrastructure.

Ukraine is struggling as it lacks air defense systems capable of blocking Russian ballistic missiles and drones, but it is fighting back by striking four targets, including two Russian oil facilities.

With attacks continuing day and night, the conflict between the two sides is showing signs of further escalation.

(Video Editing: SUNGHOON)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.