The drones attacked targets in the town, including several military infrastructures, causing significant material damage

Fear and confusion in Zelenski's hometown after Russian kamikaze drone strike

photo_camera REUTERS/ALEXANDER ERMOCHENKO - Picture of destruction after Russian airstrike

An airstrike on the Ukrainian territory of Kryvyi Rih became a tragic lesson in the destructive power of war and citizens' resistance to oppression. The Russian enemy's Shahed drones attacked Kryvyi Rih, but thanks to the functioning of the air defence system it was possible to reduce the impact of the offensive. Thus, one enemy UAV could be diverted, according to the head of the Kryvyi Rih Military Administration, Oleksandr Vilkul. Kamikaze drones entered the city from the south, wreaking havoc on the infrastructure of Kryvyi Rih. Russian occupation forces bombarded the city with a series of air strikes and the kamikaze drones were able to cause extensive structural damage to buildings, houses and other facilities. 

Local citizens reported that Shahed drones were seen in the sky for several hours and the authorities reported that the attack caused no casualties. The use of Shahed drones is a new tactic of the Russian invaders. These drones are capable of flying at an altitude of 3,000 metres and their weapons can destroy ground targets. The technology of these drones is so advanced that Ukrainian security forces often have no way of stopping them. It is hoped that Ukrainian security forces can develop a strategy to stop these attacks, and if they do not, Russian invaders could continue to attack Ukraine with impunity.

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The Iranian-made drones hit their targets, but caused no deaths or injuries, Oleksandr Vilkul said. He noted that one of the six enemy drones was shot down by the air defence system. The other five were not intercepted, but fortunately there were no casualties. The military has asked citizens not to share images of the attack in order not to provide information to Russia while the authorities work to repair the damage caused.

The head of the Ukrainian Arms Verification Office (OVA), Oleg Lysak, reported that an investigation is underway to determine the consequences of the attack. On 24 March, the Ukrainian authorities declared an air alert in several regions of Ukraine in response to the threat of an enemy attack. Although the attack was unsuccessful, assessments are being conducted to determine its possible effects. Lysak said that, so far, there are no reports of material damage.

Oleksandr Vilkul has reported that despite the Iranian Shahed-136 drone and missile attack, all key infrastructure, public transport, social and medical institutions in the city continue to function stably. This information is especially relevant given Russia's campaign of attacks that has caused massive blackouts during the winter in Ukraine.

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In turn, the Ukrainian Army General Staff has reported in the last 24 hours that more than 1,000 Russian servicemen have been killed in fighting on Ukrainian territory. This brings the total number of soldiers "liquidated" since the beginning of the invasion to 169,000. In addition, a large number of war materiel has been destroyed, including 3,574 tanks, 2,616 artillery systems, 276 air defence systems, 305 aircraft, 290 helicopters, 2,208 drones, 911 cruise missiles, 18 ships, 5,464 vehicles and fuel tanks and 277 pieces of 'special equipment'.

The strategy of fear and confusion applied to the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has left a deep mark on the community. The city was the victim of a Russian Kamikaze drone attack that caused destruction and fear in every corner. This has left a deep mark on the population and caused a great sense of vulnerability.  But nevertheless, the Ukrainian leader's enclave must unite to overcome this disaster and build a better future for its citizens.

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