On the night of October 22, Russia launched a large-scale combined strike against Ukraine. The regions of Kyiv, Odesa, Chernihiv, Dnipro, Kirovohrad, Poltava, Vinnytsia, Zaporizhzhia, Cherkasy, and Sumy were hit by enemy attacks.
In Kyiv, two people were killed and 19 injured, including five children. In the Kyiv region, four people were killed — among them a baby, her mother, and a 12-year-old girl. In Zaporizhzhia, 13 people were injured. In the morning, a private kindergarten in Kharkiv was hit, injuring children and causing a fire at the site.
Energy facilities were once again among the main targets. During the previous night, Ukraine also faced drone attacks. It is increasingly clear that Russia is not seeking peace. Such intensified strikes coincide with renewed discussions about war regulation and come just a week before Ukraine’s heating season begins — a clear attempt to pressure Ukraine’s infrastructure and resilience.
The Importance of a Timely Reaction
Ukraine urgently needs additional air defense systems and means to respond adequately to Russian attacks. Preventing destruction is always more effective than rebuilding after it.
Russia’s claims about diplomacy are meaningless unless its leadership faces real consequences. These can only come through tougher sanctions, the supply of long-range capabilities, and coordinated diplomacy from Ukraine’s partners. The time has come for the European Union to adopt a strong sanctions package. We also count on decisive steps from the United States, the G7, and all those who truly seek peace. It is crucial that the world does not remain silent and responds jointly to these vile attacks, — President Zelenskyy stated following the strikes.
Frontline Situation
Apparently, Russia has started delaying peace talks with the U.S. administration due to partial successes on the frontline. Russian forces have broken through toward Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. According to Ukraine’s General Staff, 167 combat engagements were recorded on October 21 alone.
Russian losses remain high — about 1,050 personnel in the past 24 hours. Nevertheless, they continue to advance, seeking to seize more Ukrainian territory before any negotiations with the U.S. This escalation is accompanied by ongoing atrocities: two days ago, a Ukrainian drone recorded Russian soldiers shooting at least three civilians in central Pokrovsk.
Conclusion
Russian terror continues and intensifies due to impunity. Ukrainians are being deprived of basic necessities — damage to electricity and gas infrastructure often causes water shortages as well. Civilian casualties are inevitable under such heavy and chaotic attacks, as missile strikes occur with little to no warning.
Once again, Russia demonstrates its true intentions — both through its actions on the battlefield and its manipulative statements about potential meetings at the presidential level.
