Tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalated on Friday, with deadly strikes reported in both nations. The violence underscores the ongoing volatility of the conflict that has gripped the region for nearly two years.
In Russia’s western Kursk region, acting Governor Alexander Khinshtein confirmed that five people were killed and nine injured in a strike on the town of Rylsk, located just 25 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
The attack, which occurred at 15:30 local time (12:30 GMT), damaged several buildings, including a cultural center, a fitness complex, a school, and multiple homes. Initial reports suggested six fatalities, including a child, but Khinshtein later clarified that no children were among the victims.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Kursk region, parts of which have been under Ukrainian control since a surprise cross-border offensive launched in August.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, was hit by a fresh wave of missile strikes reportedly launched by Russia. A building housing multiple foreign embassies, including those of Albania, Argentina, and Portugal, sustained damage, although it remains unclear whether the location was deliberately targeted.
The attack left one person dead and nine injured, according to Ukrainian officials. Residential areas were heavily affected, with shattered windows, destroyed walls, and extensive structural damage reported.
One witness, Oksana, described the destruction of her apartment: “My balcony flew away, half my walls are gone. My neighbor is in such shock she can’t even speak.”
Another resident, a restaurant owner whose business was gutted in the blast, condemned the attackers as “beasts” in a video widely shared on social media.
A local journalist suggested the primary target may have been a nearby Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) command post, although much of the damage occurred in residential buildings.
Russia’s defense ministry confirmed it had targeted an SBU “command post” in response to a Ukrainian strike on a chemical plant in Russia’s Rostov region two days prior.
Some in Kyiv speculate the attack might be linked to the killing of Russian Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov earlier this week in Moscow.
The strikes came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin warned of more ballistic missile attacks during his year-end press conference. Ukraine has raised alarms about Russia potentially deploying its Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile, which was recently test-fired on the city of Dnipro.
Although an air alert was issued in Kyiv on Friday morning in response to a possible missile launch, it proved to be a false alarm.
The ongoing conflict continues to draw international concern, with the latest strikes affecting diplomatic missions in Kyiv and heightening fears of further escalation.
As winter deepens, both sides appear to be ramping up their offensive strategies, leaving civilians and infrastructure increasingly vulnerable. With casualties mounting on both sides, the prospects for a resolution remain bleak.
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