Russia Launches Major Missile and Drone Attack on Ukraine, Casualties Reported
A recent wave of Russian missile and drone strikes across Ukraine has resulted in at least 11 deaths and numerous injuries, with significant damage to civilian infrastructure.
In overnight assaults, Russian forces launched a significant barrage of 73 missiles and 656 drones targeting various regions in Ukraine, causing extensive casualties and damage. The Ukrainian air force reported that it successfully intercepted 40 missiles and 602 drones, while 30 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles, and 33 drones struck at least 38 locations, resulting in debris falling across multiple sites.
Kyiv experienced the brunt of the attack, with at least four fatalities and 63 injuries, including three children, as residential buildings across eight districts sustained damage. In the Dnipro region, six people were killed and 36 injured when strikes targeted the city, with one rescuer killed in a subsequent attack as emergency services responded to the initial strikes. Kharkiv reported 14 injuries, alongside damage to homes and vehicles.
Ongoing rescue operations revealed that individuals were trapped under the rubble of partially collapsed buildings, particularly in the Podilskyi district where victims were buried beneath debris. Local resident Olena Dniprovska, 65, recounted her experience during the attack, indicating her living conditions have been drastically affected as her apartment was destroyed.
Ukrainian officials continue to appeal for enhanced air defense capabilities to better protect against Russia's missile attacks, as the country faces challenges in countering ballistic threats while managing the interception of a substantial number of drones.
