Russian Strikes Kill 12 in Ukraine, Allies Boost Aid

0:00It's April 16. This is Sydney News Today, powered by AI, I'm Cory with the story. Russian missile and drone strikes slammed Ukraine's capital, Kiev and cities like Denipro, Odessa, Karkeev, and Zaparizia leaving 12 people dead. In Kiev, four lost their lives including a 12-year-old child while the Denipro saw two killed in blazing residential buildings. Odessa took the heaviest hit with six deaths from attacks on poor areas. Firefighters battled a massive blaze in northern Kiev where debris injured four emergency workers and air raid alerts dragged on for hours. This followed a huge barrage the day before, with Russian forces launching 361 drones and 21 missiles over 13 hours. Ukraine downed most but still recorded hits and falling wreckage across multiple regions. President Valodomar Zalinsky called out the brutal assaults on Denipro, Karkeev, and others stressing that air defense missiles are needed every.

1:01Single day to protect civilians, a 74-year-old woman died in Zaparizia from a strike that wrecked homes, businesses, and a school. Meanwhile, defense leaders from over 50 countries pledged more aid to bolster Ukraine's defenses. Britain committed 120,000 drones this year, and NATO chief Mark Rhett warned they can't lose focus on the fight. Italy's Prime Minister, Zalinsky, agreed to ramp up drone production ties after Rome talks, as Ukraine pushes to lead in drone warfare amid the grind. Allies are stepping up, but the strikes keep coming.