Ukraine, Russia Trade Drone Strikes Killing Five Amid Escalation

Russia and Ukraine exchanged heavy drone and missile attacks overnight, resulting in at least five deaths and multiple injuries in both countries. Russian forces launched over 200 drones and several dozen missiles targeting Ukrainian regions such as Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, and Sumy, causing significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted most attacks, yet some strikes hit their targets, killing three people in Dnipro and injuring others, including emergency responders who were targeted in follow-up strikes. In retaliation, Ukrainian drones attacked Russian territories including Rostov and Stavropol, killing two people and damaging military-industrial sites like the Signal factory. Despite ongoing ceasefire talks in Istanbul, the conflict has intensified with increased use of long-range drones and reciprocal strikes impacting civilian areas and infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia's military and logistical facilities would face continued consequences as Ukraine escalates its drone responses.