KYIV, Ukraine — Tensions escalated between Russia and Ukraine on Monday as both nations accused each other of launching deadly drone strikes on civilian areas. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is preparing for a week of intense diplomacy at the U.N. General Assembly in New York, where discussions about the ongoing war are expected to take center stage.

In a recent attack, at least seven Russian aircraft targeted the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, resulting in three fatalities and two injuries, according to Ivan Fedorov, head of the regional administration. The assault began around 4:20 a.m. local time and lasted approximately 40 minutes, hitting residential buildings, shopping malls, and critical infrastructure. Fedorov emphasized that none of the targeted sites were related to military operations.

Zelenskyy, who is advocating for stronger sanctions against Russia, stated that "strong sanctions" and political pressure are essential as world leaders gather in New York. He urged for immediate action to prevent murder and war from becoming routine. "Real, powerful pressure on Russia is needed; new joint steps from everyone in the world who believes that international law must work again," he said.

The Ukrainian air force reported intercepting 132 out of 141 drones launched by Russian forces during the night. Zelenskyy noted that over the past week, Russia has deployed more than 1,500 strike drones, 1,280 glide bombs, and 50 missiles against Ukraine, with over 132,000 foreign components identified in these weapons.

As Zelenskyy prepares for the U.N. gathering, he has scheduled nearly two dozen meetings with leaders from various countries. He also plans to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasizing the need for a united front against Russian aggression. "It is vital that this week strengthen the world’s resolve for robust action — for without strength, peace will not prevail," he stated.

In a reciprocal claim, the Moscow-appointed head of Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov, reported that three people were killed and 16 injured by Ukrainian drone strikes in the resort town of Foros. The Russian Defense Ministry asserted that there are no military facilities in the area.

In Russia's Belgorod region, three individuals died and ten were injured due to Ukrainian drone attacks, according to regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov. The Defense Ministry claimed to have downed 114 Ukrainian drones early Monday across several regions.

International concerns are rising regarding the potential for the conflict to extend beyond Ukraine's borders. Recent incidents include Russian drones landing in Poland and Russian fighter jets entering Estonian airspace. Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics remarked that Russia appears to be testing NATO's political and military responses, aiming to diminish Western support for Ukraine.

As the situation continues to develop, both nations remain locked in a cycle of accusations and retaliatory strikes, with no clear resolution in sight.