Seven Killed in Recent Russian Missile and Drone Strikes on Ukraine
Poinews.com – On July 17, 2026, Russian attacks across Ukraine claimed seven lives and left over 67 injured. The strikes targeted multiple areas, including Odesa, Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, Kherson, Donetsk, and Dnipro, according to a statement from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted on X.
Zelenskyy reported that Russia launched more than 130 attack drones and eight missiles into Ukrainian territory overnight and into Friday morning. Ukraine’s Ukrenergy, responsible for the state electricity grid, confirmed power outages in Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, and Sumy regions.
“A number of regions have been hit,” said Zelenskyy, highlighting the widespread impact of the attacks.
The Ukrainian Air Force noted that its defense systems intercepted five missiles and 115 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launched from the north, south, and east of the country. Separately, the Russian Defence Ministry claimed it had downed 243 Ukrainian drones during the same period.
Government Changes and Military Uncertainty
President Zelenskyy’s recent cabinet reshuffle, announced on Thursday, included the appointment of a new prime minister, Sergii Koretskyi, a former executive at the state gas company Naftogaz. However, the decision to remove Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has sparked controversy.
Koretskyi’s selection has been overshadowed by Fedorov’s exit, leading to concerns about instability within Ukraine’s military leadership. Protests erupted in Kyiv and other cities, with demonstrators demanding the reinstatement of Fedorov.
Public Outcry Over Leadership Shift
Signs carried by protesters included slogans such as “Don’t mess with what works,” “Hands off Fedorov,” and “Power still belongs to the people.” The demonstrations reflect growing frustration over the government’s changes, particularly in the defense sector.
