Russian Drone Strikes and Gas Station Explosion Escalate Ukraine Conflict

Odesa and Zaporizhzhia suffer civilian injuries and infrastructure damage as both nations trade blame for Sudzha gas station blast.

Russia launched over 200 drones in overnight strikes, causing fires and injuries in Odesa and Zaporizhzhia, with Ukrainian defenses intercepting many of them.
Three people were injured in Odesa, including minors, as drones hit a shopping mall, residential building, and other infrastructure, triggering power outages.
The Sudzha gas station in Russia's Kursk region, a critical energy hub, was heavily damaged by an explosion, with Russia and Ukraine accusing each other of responsibility.
Ukraine's General Staff claims Russia shelled its own gas station to discredit Ukraine and undermine the limited ceasefire agreement brokered by the U.S.
Diplomatic talks are scheduled in Saudi Arabia to address the faltering ceasefire, which has seen continued violations despite formal commitments.