Russian forces struck two fuel stations in Kyiv early Friday, killing two people and injuring several others, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. The attacks occurred within ten minutes of each other in the capital's Obolonskyi and Dniprovskyi districts, shortly after air raid sirens sounded. One person died at the scene, while the other died in hospital; six people required medical treatment.

The strikes follow similar attacks on fuel stations in Kyiv on Thursday, suggesting a new Russian campaign targeting civilian areas in the capital. Ukrainian authorities have warned residents to avoid refueling when air raid sirens sound. While fuel stations near the eastern and southern front lines have been regularly hit for months, officials have long warned that such attacks could extend to the capital as an intimidation strategy.

Overnight, other Russian drone strikes hit near a shopping mall in Pavlohrad, leaving five dead and 67 injured. In Zaporizhzhia, a mother and son were injured when a drone struck an apartment building and a mall. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha declared Friday a day of mourning.

On Thursday, Sybiha condemned Russia for attacking civilian areas to sow fear. "Russia is systematically attacking places where it knows people will be spending their time going about their daily lives, seeking to maximise casualties, spread fear and put pressure on Ukrainian society," he stated.

Ukraine launched its own large-scale drone attack overnight, with Russia's Ministry of Defence reporting that its forces shot down 777 drones across 16 regions. Two people were killed and three injured in Tula, south of Moscow, local authorities said. Both Russia and Ukraine deny targeting civilians, as the conflict—which began with Moscow's invasion in February 2022—has evolved into daily missile and drone attacks.

Source: www.aljazeera.com