What is the story about?
Ukraine has recorded its highest monthly civilian casualty toll in more than four years, with at least 377 people killed and 2,129 injured this month as Russia stepped up missile, drone and aerial bomb attacks across the country, according to government figures.
Government data shows this month has become the deadliest for civilians since April 2022, with Russian strikes increasingly targeting populated areas, including repeated attacks on the capital, Kyiv.
Authorities said the escalation has involved frequent use of ballistic missiles, which are harder for Ukraine's air defence systems to intercept.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia launched nearly 1,700 drones, more than 1,630 guided aerial bombs and more than 50 ballistic missiles over the past week alone.
"We must undercut Russia's gamble on ballistic terror," Zelenskyy said in a post on X on Sunday.
"Every interceptor missile right now is literally helping save lives if it is here, in Ukrainian systems, not in our partners' warehouses," he added.
The growing intensity of the attacks was underscored on Sunday when a Russian drone struck a supermarket in Chernihiv.
Local authorities said a 10-year-old child and one adult were killed in the attack, while three other people were injured.
Ukraine has continued its campaign of drone and missile strikes against Russian energy infrastructure over the past week, targeting several oil refineries.
The attacks prompted Russia to extend its ban on diesel exports until the end of the year.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Saturday that the government would consider lifting the restriction "as the market recovers".
The Institute for the Study of War in Washington said on Saturday that "Many areas of Russia and occupied Ukraine continue to struggle with fuel shortages, though Russian officials are increasingly posturing that the economic situation and fuel crisis are stabilising."
Russia has also intensified attacks on fuel stations in northern Ukraine and on Ukrainian ports along the Black Sea and the Danube River.
On Sunday, the Romanian air force shot down a Russian drone over the Black Sea for the third consecutive day.
Romania's defence ministry said the drone was intercepted above Romanian territorial waters.
Romanian President Nicusor Dan described the airspace violation as "inadmissible and intolerable".
Following the incident, Romania's foreign ministry summoned the Russian ambassador in Bucharest.
Government data shows this month has become the deadliest for civilians since April 2022, with Russian strikes increasingly targeting populated areas, including repeated attacks on the capital, Kyiv.
Authorities said the escalation has involved frequent use of ballistic missiles, which are harder for Ukraine's air defence systems to intercept.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia launched nearly 1,700 drones, more than 1,630 guided aerial bombs and more than 50 ballistic missiles over the past week alone.
"We must undercut Russia's gamble on ballistic terror," Zelenskyy said in a post on X on Sunday.
"Every interceptor missile right now is literally helping save lives if it is here, in Ukrainian systems, not in our partners' warehouses," he added.
Chernihiv attack kills child and adult
The growing intensity of the attacks was underscored on Sunday when a Russian drone struck a supermarket in Chernihiv.
Local authorities said a 10-year-old child and one adult were killed in the attack, while three other people were injured.
Ukraine continues strikes on Russian energy sites
Ukraine has continued its campaign of drone and missile strikes against Russian energy infrastructure over the past week, targeting several oil refineries.
The attacks prompted Russia to extend its ban on diesel exports until the end of the year.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Saturday that the government would consider lifting the restriction "as the market recovers".
The Institute for the Study of War in Washington said on Saturday that "Many areas of Russia and occupied Ukraine continue to struggle with fuel shortages, though Russian officials are increasingly posturing that the economic situation and fuel crisis are stabilising."
Romania shoots down Russian drone
Russia has also intensified attacks on fuel stations in northern Ukraine and on Ukrainian ports along the Black Sea and the Danube River.
On Sunday, the Romanian air force shot down a Russian drone over the Black Sea for the third consecutive day.
Romania's defence ministry said the drone was intercepted above Romanian territorial waters.
Romanian President Nicusor Dan described the airspace violation as "inadmissible and intolerable".
Following the incident, Romania's foreign ministry summoned the Russian ambassador in Bucharest.
