KYIV -- Russia launched another massive attack on Ukraine overnight involving almost 100 drones at targets across the country while Russian troops continue to edge further into Ukrainian territory.
The Ukrainian Air Force on January 22 reported the downing of 65 Iranian Shahed drones as well as other unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) overnight amid an enormous Russian aerial assault.
Another 30 drones disappeared from radar without reaching their targets, the Air Force added, saying the attacks hit areas in Mykolayiv, Sumy, Kyiv, Poltava, Kharkiv, Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Khmelnytskiy, Dnipropetrovsk, and Odesa.
The attack on Mykolayiv damaged a residential building, partially destroying the roof. Emergency teams evacuated some 200 residents from the building.
The impact of the explosions caused structural damage to surrounding buildings, including a family health clinic and the administrative office of a transport company.
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Aftermath Of Russian Drone Attack On Mykolayiv
In Sumy, a drone strike targeted a residential area, causing significant damage. A two-story house was partially destroyed and a fire broke out, requiring emergency responders to intervene. Three residents sustained minor injuries and were treated for stress-related symptoms. All declined hospitalization after receiving first aid.
In addition to the air attacks, Russia's Defense Ministry said its troops had taken control of the village of Zapadne in the northeastern Kharkiv region.
Analysts have looked at this week's inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump as a possible impetus for cease-fire talks between Moscow and Kyiv as the war nears its third anniversary next month.
In response to the continued escalation of attacks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reaffirmed Kyiv's stance on territorial integrity, saying the country will "never legally recognize the loss of its territories."
SEE ALSO: Why Are European Troops For Ukraine A Nonstarter?"Our borders are defined by international law, and no aggression or pressure from Russia will change that. We will fight for every region, every village, and every family affected by this war until full sovereignty is restored," Zelenskiy said at a meeting with media representatives at the World Economic Forum in the Swiss resort town of Davos on January 21.
Zelenskiy also called on the international community to help protect Ukraine's skies and rebuild affected areas through more sanctions against Russia and more military supplies from allies.
Ukrainian authorities and international organizations have condemned Russia's systematic strikes on civilian infrastructure as war crimes. Though Moscow denies the charges, repeated attacks on hospitals, schools, energy facilities, and residential buildings have been documented throughout the conflict.
SEE ALSO: Could Trump Cut A Deal With Putin And Leave Ukraine In The Cold?In Moscow, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, who oversees U.S. relations and arms control, said he sees a small window of opportunity to make deals with Trump, "albeit a small one."
While he said he would end the conflict quickly after taking office, Trump has since backed off such claims.
Late on January 21, Trump suggested he would hit Russia with additional sanctions if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not accept peace talks to end the war in Ukraine, while he also urged Chinese leader Xi Jinping in a phone call to help end the conflict.
Trump did not offer details on potential new measures -- which would come on top of a vast array of sanctions already targeting Russia for its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.