Authorities reported that Russia unleashed a significant missile and drone assault on Ukraine overnight, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 individuals, while many others sustained injuries, and some remain trapped.
The Ukrainian air force revealed that 73 missiles and 656 drones were launched, targeting key areas including Kiev, Dnipropetrovsk, and eastern cities such as Poltava, Kharkov, and Zaporizhia. Ukrainian defense forces managed to intercept and neutralize 40 missiles and 602 drones.
In total, strikes from 30 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles, and 33 drones impacted at least 38 locations. The air force mentioned that debris from destroyed drones fell across 15 sites.
In the capital, Kiev, at least four people lost their lives and 63 were injured, including three children, as reported by the State Emergency Service on Telegram.
Residential structures and other civilian facilities were affected in eight districts of Kiev.
Meanwhile, Dnipropetrovsk faced airstrikes that led to the deaths of at least six and injuries to 36 others in the region, according to emergency services. Tragically, a second attack resulted in the death of a rescue worker when crew members were on site.
Kharkiv reported at least 14 injuries, with damage to homes, garages, and vehicles. A two-story house and a section of a four-story apartment building were damaged, and many individuals are trapped beneath the rubble of a larger structure.
Throughout the night and into the early hours, explosions resonated across the area.
In anticipation of further attacks, Kiev had been on high alert after President Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned of a potential escalation and urged the populace to stay vigilant and evacuate during air raid alerts.
In the Podilishky district, upper floors of a nine-story building sustained damage, trapping people under debris.
Despite ongoing air raid warnings, rescue efforts began early in the morning.
Buildings in the Solomyansky district, including a 20-story and a 24-story structure, were also damaged.
Olena Dniprovska, 65, and her husband Evhen, 64, suffered injuries in their apartment during the assault in Kyiv’s Posilsky district. Olena recounted, “I grabbed my phone and stepped into the hallway, but before I could grasp what was happening, chaos ensued—the glass shattered, and everything was blown away.” Her face bore the marks of the explosion, stained with dried blood, and her jaw was bandaged. “I ran outside calling for my husband, but he too was caught in the blast.”
She continued, “I have nowhere to go now. My apartment is destroyed—no doors, no windows, no balconies. I can walk right out of my room onto the street.”
Ukrainian officials are urging their allies to enhance air defense capabilities to better tackle Russian ballistic missile threats. Despite effective drone interceptions, the high vulnerability to ballistic missiles continues to be a significant concern for Ukraine’s air defenses.
