Trump announces arms deal with NATO for possible tariffs against Russia
During a meeting with NATO chief Mark Latte, Trump announced an arms contract to deliver aid to Ukraine.
Kyiv, July 16 (Reuters) – Russia has attacked cities across Ukraine overnight with hundreds of drones and missile strikes, struggling energy infrastructure and injured at least 15 people.
The Ukrainian air force said Russia launched 400 drones and one ballistic missile, targeting three cities, Kharkiv, Kryii Rih and Vinnytsia, mainly in different regions of Ukraine. Previously, Ukrainian officials reported two people had been killed in a drone strike in the frontline city of Kupiansk.
Large-scale long-range attacks target energy infrastructure, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy wrote in Telegram.
“We are now doing our best to restore everything in Crivili, and the power supplies will be restored all day.”
The Air Force said that most drones were fired down, but 12 targets were attacked by 57 drones and missiles.
Russia has been increasing its attacks on cities across Ukraine this summer, sending hundreds of drones with ballistic missiles regularly. The attack was cited this week by US President Donald Trump as the reason for his decision to approve more Ukrainian weapons, including air defense.
“Russia will not change its strategy and to effectively counter this fear, there will be a systematic strengthening of its defenses. More air defenses, more interceptors (drones), more resolve to make Russia feel our response,” Zelenskiy wrote Wednesday.
Olexander Virkur, head of the junta of the southeastern city of Cliviy Lee, said Russian forces had launched an extended attack with missiles and 28 drones. He said that electricity and water supplies had been destroyed in some areas.
The 17-year-old was seriously injured in the attack and was fighting for a life in the hospital, Birkur added.
Eight people were injured in Vinnizzia and the surrounding area, according to the Ukraine’s Ministry of Interior.
In Kharkiv, a frequent target for Russian attacks, regional governor Ole Sinnykhovov said at least 17 explosions were recorded in a 20-minute drone attack that injured three people.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the air defense forces had taken action in the capital for a while, but there were no reports of casualties or damage.
Russia has killed thousands of civilians in attacks on Ukrainian cities since it launched a full-scale invasion more than three years ago. According to Moscow, civilian infrastructure such as the energy system is a legitimate target to support Ukraine’s war efforts. Ukraine will also launch a long-range strike against Russian targets, albeit on a more limited scale.
(Reporting by Ron Popeski and Max Hunder, Editing by Leslie Adler and Saad Sayeed)
