At least 18 people were killed and more than 100 injured after Russia launched a massive overnight missile and drone attack across several Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv and Dnipro, in one of the largest aerial assaults of the war in recent months.
According to Ukrainian officials, Russia fired 73 missiles and more than 650 drones during the attack, targeting multiple regions across the country. The strikes hit residential buildings, infrastructure facilities and other civilian areas, causing widespread destruction and triggering rescue operations in several cities.
The southeastern city of Dnipro suffered the highest death toll, with at least 12 people killed, including children, after a missile strike caused part of an apartment building to collapse. Emergency workers continued searching through rubble for survivors. In Kyiv, six people were killed and dozens injured as explosions rocked the capital and damaged residential neighbourhoods.
Residents described scenes of chaos as air raid sirens sounded through the night. Fires broke out in several districts, while power disruptions affected thousands of households. Ukrainian authorities said more than 140,000 residents in Kyiv temporarily lost electricity following the strikes.
Ukraine’s air force said it intercepted a large number of incoming drones and missiles, but many projectiles still reached their targets. Officials warned that the country’s air defence systems remain under pressure as Russia continues to intensify long-range attacks.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks and renewed calls for additional Western military support, particularly Patriot air defence missiles. He said stronger air defences were essential to protect civilians from future strikes.
Russia said the operation targeted military and defence-industrial facilities, while the Kremlin described the strikes as a response to recent Ukrainian attacks. Ukraine, however, accused Moscow of deliberately targeting civilian areas and carrying out what it called acts of terror.
The latest barrage marks the third major attack on Kyiv in less than a month and highlights the continuing escalation in the conflict. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, both sides remain locked in a war that has shown little sign of easing, with civilians continuing to bear the brunt of the violence.
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