The death toll from a Russian missile strike on the eastern Ukrainian city of Balakliya has climbed to three, local authorities said on Monday, as emergency teams continued operations at the site of the overnight attack. Vitali Karabanov, head of the city’s military administration, said in a Telegram post: “According to preliminary information, three people were killed as a result of the night missile strike on the city of Balakliya,” adding that “another 10 people were wounded.” Earlier in the day, Kharkiv regional governor Oleg Synegubov confirmed that one person had died and at least eight had been injured, warning that the number of wounded “is growing.” He noted that the casualties included a 14-year-old girl, a 12-year-old child and a 61-year-old man who was taken to hospital. Karabanov said the Russian army carried out two missile strikes on the city centre. Emergency services remain at the scene conducting rescue and recovery efforts. Russian forces have continued to target Ukrainian territory with near-daily drone and missile attacks since the invasion began in February 2022. Seven people were killed in Kyiv on Friday after missiles struck residential blocks. With winter approaching, Ukrainian officials say Moscow has stepped up strikes on energy infrastructure. Ukraine has in turn targeted depots, refineries and other facilities inside Russia. On the front lines, Russian forces continue to push forward, capturing two villages in southern Ukraine on Sunday.
