Ukraine in mourning after Russia’s massive attack

Today, October 8, Ukraine is observing a day of mourning for those killed in the massive Russian attack on October 7. The Ukrainian authorities have expressed condolences to the families and loved ones of those whose lives were taken in the strike.

One of the most tragic events was a Russian missile hitting a five-story residential building in Pryluky, Chernihiv Oblast. By morning, the death toll there had risen to 22 people, including five children.

Rescuers managed to save 15 people, including one child. Search and rescue operations continued throughout the night and are still underway today.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine initially reported 28 deaths resulting from the strikes. After the morning update on the situation in Pryluky, the overall death toll increased. 54 people were injured, including seven children.

People were also killed in other cities. The damage there was as follows:

• In Kyiv, residential and non-residential buildings, warehouses, and vehicles were damaged.
• In Kremenchuk, Russian strikes damaged several high-rise apartment buildings.
• In Oleksandriia, critical infrastructure was hit.

The Russian army combined a missile barrage with an attack by combat drones. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the attack affected 13 regions and that Russia used around 70 missiles, including ballistic missiles, as well as combat drones. Ukraine’s air defense forces reported destroying 44 missiles and 117 drones.

The President also identified Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as one of the targets of Russian strikes. He said the attacks continued yesterday afternoon, with drones and aerial bombs.

On this day of mourning, the country honors the memory of all those killed. A statement from the Ministry of Internal Affairs said:

“Russia has once again taken what is most precious. It has destroyed homes, brought pain, and left an emptiness that nothing can ever fill.”

We previously reported:

• Three children lived for only one year: a Russian missile claimed nearly 20 lives in Pryluky
• Missile strike on Pryluky claimed 14 lives, including four children
• 70 missiles in one night, 11 killed: Russia strikes Kyiv and 12 Ukrainian regions
• Three children and a man killed in Russian strike: Mykolaiv Oblast declares August 22 a day of mourning
• 11 killed and 46 injured: Kyiv declares July 7 a day of mourning after a massive attack