Recent missile and drone attacks in Ukraine and Russia result in casualties and infrastructure damage

Over the past 24 hours, Russian aerial attacks across Ukraine targeted the Poltava, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Odesa regions, resulting in at least nine deaths and multiple injuries. In Poltava, drone and missile strikes damaged industrial facilities and railway infrastructure, cutting gas supply to 3,500 consumers. Strikes in Merefa, Kharkiv, killed four people and damaged residential buildings, while attacks in Odesa and Kherson led to additional civilian casualties and port facility destruction. Ukraine countered by targeting the Kirishinefteorgsintez oil refinery in Leningrad, Russia, causing a fire that authorities reported as under control. Russian officials reported no casualties from the refinery strike, which plays a critical role in the country's oil processing sector. Amidst ongoing hostilities, reports indicated a record volume of Russian drone launches in April, while diplomatic discussions regarding a potential ceasefire on May 9 continue. Both nations remain locked in a cycle of infrastructure and energy-focused strikes designed to degrade military and economic capacity.