Early Tuesday, Russia launched a series of drone and missile strikes on two Ukrainian cities, resulting in two fatalities and injuring at least 13 people, according to Ukrainian officials.
In Odesa, the attack caused damage to a maternity hospital and a residential building in the central area of Nangang, as noted by local governor Ole Kiper. The Regional Prosecutor’s Office confirmed two deaths and nine injuries in the city.
Kyiv’s Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that four individuals were hurt in the capital’s assault. An Associated Press journalist reported hearing explosions amid hours of drone activity across the city.
This latest wave of attacks followed Moscow’s earlier deployment of nearly 500 drones in what is described as the largest overnight drone assault seen in the three years of ongoing conflict.
Ukrainian and Western analysts expect that Russia’s actions may be a response to Ukraine’s recent drone strikes that targeted military bases far within Russian territory.
As smoke rose over Kiev, air defense systems were seen attempting to intercept the incoming drones and missiles on Tuesday morning.
Meanwhile, many residents in Ukraine sought refuge in subway stations during the attacks. Among them was Nina Nosivet, a 32-year-old mother with her eight-month-old son, Revko.
“I don’t dwell on it,” she said, describing how she curled up in a corner, simply waiting for the chaos to subside.
Krishtina Semak, 37, from Kiev, recounted her fear as she rushed to the subway at 2 AM, grabbing a rug for comfort.
Despite Russia’s escalated missile and drone campaigns aimed at Ukraine, the two nations have continued to exchange prisoners—a notable outcome from the recent direct peace discussions in Istanbul. However, the long-sought ceasefire remains out of reach.
In Kiev, at least four districts experienced fires due to debris from intercepted drones landing on roofs of residential buildings and warehouses, as reported by the city’s military administration.
Vasyl Pesenko, 25, described the distressing moment the attack affected his home.
“I was lying in bed, really just hoping the drones would bypass me. But then I realized, it was too late when I heard the impact. I thought it would go away, but it didn’t,” he shared, recalling the chaos of the explosion.
