The city of Sumy in northeastern Ukraine has been hit by two consecutive Russian drone attacks, resulting in the deaths of at least at least eight people, according to Ukrainian officials. The first attack occurred on Saturday morning, killing one person, with a second attack hitting the hospital while patients and staff were evacuating. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Russia used Shahed drones in the attacks, leaving eleven people injured.
The city of Sumy is located near the border with Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukraine launched an offensive on August 6. The first attack on the hospital took place at 7:35am, followed by a second attack at 8:25am as rescuers were trying to evacuate patients. Volunteer groups on the scene reported seeing people lying dead on the streets, with thick smoke, explosions, and sirens wailing.
Ukraine’s air force claimed to have shot down 69 out of 73 Russian drones launched overnight, as well as two missiles. In response, Russia stated that its air defenses had shot down five Ukrainian drones over bordering regions. President Zelenskyy has been in the United States lobbying for support, meeting with President Biden and Vice Presidential candidate Harris to outline his “victory plan” for ending the conflict.
As a show of support, President Biden announced an additional $8 billion in military aid for Ukraine, including providing Joint Standoff Weapon munitions to enhance their long-range strike capabilities. Zelenskyy’s plan aims to strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating position against Russia in order to achieve a resolution to the conflict on Ukraine’s terms.
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