EU pledges €1.24bn to Ukraine as Russia intensifies strikes on civilians

Russian forces struck an apartment complex in Pryluky, located in the northern Chernihiv region, destroying the structure and leaving at least 13 dead and approximately 50 injured, according to Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Vyhivskyi. The attack added to a wave of strikes across Ukrainian territory, with confirmed casualties reported in Kyiv and three additional cities on the same day.

In Kremenchuk, situated in the Poltava region, the assault claimed two lives and left seven others wounded as emergency responders continued rescue and recovery operations. The pattern of attacks across geographically dispersed population centres underscored the scope of the military campaign targeting civilian areas.

The European Union responded to the escalating violence by committing €1.24 billion in financial assistance to Ukraine, signalling sustained international support amid the ongoing conflict. The aid package represents part of broader efforts by Western nations to bolster Ukraine's capacity to respond to the military aggression and address humanitarian needs arising from the strikes.

The series of attacks has intensified international criticism of Russian military tactics, with observers pointing to the targeting of civilian infrastructure and residential areas as evidence of deliberate strategies aimed at civilian populations. Ukrainian authorities have continued documenting casualties and damage from the strikes as part of ongoing investigations into alleged violations of international law.