KYIV, Ukraine — Russia launched one of its largest aerial assaults in recent months, firing hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles at cities across Ukraine, killing at least 22 people and injuring more than 130 others, Ukrainian authorities said. The attacks struck multiple regions, including the capital Kyiv, as fighting between the two countries continued to intensify.
According to Ukrainian officials, the overnight barrage targeted Kyiv as well as the regions of Dnipro, Kharkiv, Poltava and Zaporizhzhia. Emergency crews worked through damaged residential areas searching for survivors after buildings were struck and fires broke out across several cities.
Civilian Areas Sustain Heavy Damage
Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 73 missiles and 656 drones during the attack. Officials said air defenses intercepted or suppressed many of the incoming weapons, but several strikes reached their targets, causing extensive destruction and civilian casualties.
In Kyiv, rescue teams responded to damaged residential buildings and infrastructure sites. Elsewhere, local authorities reported fatalities among civilians, including children, while hospitals treated dozens of people for injuries sustained during the attacks.
The strikes prompted residents in several cities to seek shelter in underground transit stations and designated emergency locations as air raid alerts remained active for extended periods. Witnesses described scenes of heavy destruction and widespread disruption following the bombardment.
Moscow and Kyiv Exchange Claims
Russia’s Defense Ministry stated that the operation was carried out in response to what it described as “terrorist acts” by Ukraine. The ministry said the strikes targeted military infrastructure, transport facilities, airfields and fuel depots in several regions.
Ukrainian authorities disputed Russia’s characterization and reported that residential neighborhoods and civilian infrastructure were among the locations hit. Independent verification of all battlefield claims was not immediately available.
The escalation followed recent Ukrainian operations against targets in Russian-controlled territory and inside Russia, developments that have contributed to rising tensions and retaliatory actions from both sides.
Pressure Grows as War Enters New Phase
The Kremlin said the conflict had entered what officials described as a different phase, accusing Kyiv of targeting civilians in recent attacks. Ukrainian officials rejected those accusations and continued to call for additional air-defense support from Western partners.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy renewed appeals for more Patriot missile systems following the latest strikes, arguing that stronger air defenses remain critical to protecting cities from large-scale missile and drone attacks.
The latest bombardment represents one of the deadliest nationwide aerial assaults in recent months and underscores the continuing risks facing civilians as the war enters its fifth year. Despite ongoing diplomatic contacts involving international partners, no breakthrough toward a negotiated settlement has been announced.
