Overnight missile strikes launched by Russian forces have devastated the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's hometown. The attack resulted in at least 11 fatalities and over two dozen injuries, with a warehouse and an apartment building bearing the brunt of the destruction. This tragic event unfolds as Ukrainian forces are in the initial stages of a counteroffensive to reclaim Russian-occupied territories.

This recent attack is part of a series of overnight missile strikes across Ukraine in recent weeks, with this incident resulting in one of the highest casualty counts from a single attack since the April strike on Uman that claimed 23 lives. President Zelenskyy shared images of the aftermath on his Telegram channel, depicting firefighters battling the blaze amidst the wreckage. He condemned the attacks, stating, "Russian killers continue their war against residential buildings, ordinary cities and people."

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the missiles targeted Ukrainian military reserves and depots containing Western weaponry and ammunition. Dnipropetrovsk Governor Serhiy Lysak reported that seven bodies were recovered from the warehouse, with four more fatalities at the apartment building. Search operations have concluded. Kryvyi Rih Mayor Oleksandr Vilkul confirmed 28 injuries.

In other developments, Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, was targeted by Iranian-made Shahed drones, resulting in injuries to two civilians in the nearby town of Shevchenkove and damage to buildings in Kharkiv. Kyiv also experienced attacks, but air defenses successfully intercepted the incoming missiles. The Ukrainian General Staff reported intercepting 10 out of 14 cruise missiles and one of four Shahed drones.

Amid these attacks, Ukraine's counteroffensive continues in four areas in the south and east, with Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar reporting ongoing advancements. The head of Ukraine's ground troops, Oleksandr Syrskyi, claimed gains outside Bakhmut, asserting that Russian forces are "losing positions on the flanks." These advancements, however, represent small territorial gains, highlighting the arduous battle ahead for Ukrainian forces.

Intense shelling has been reported in nearly a dozen front-line towns and villages in Ukrainian-held areas of Donetsk. Vladimir Rogov, an official with the Moscow-appointed administration in parts of Zaporizhzhia, disputed Ukraine's reported gains, claiming substantial Ukrainian losses. These claims are unverified. The Russian Defense Ministry also released a video allegedly showing captured Western military equipment, the authenticity of which remains unconfirmed.

Recent reports from Deputy Defense Minister Maliar indicated the recapture of seven villages and 35 square miles of territory in eastern Ukraine, representing limited successes in the initial stages of the counteroffensive. These claims have not been confirmed by Russian officials and remain subject to the dynamic nature of the conflict.