Russia launched a massive wave of missiles and drones across Ukraine in an hours-long assault, killing at least 16 people and injuring more than 100, Ukrainian officials said.
The attack, described as one of the largest in recent weeks, involved nearly 700 drones along with dozens of ballistic and cruise missiles, primarily targeting civilian areas including Kyiv, Odesa and Dnipro.
Authorities said the bombardment caused widespread destruction, damaging residential buildings, commercial properties and critical infrastructure. In Kyiv alone, multiple apartment buildings, homes and public facilities were hit.
Residents described scenes of panic as explosions shattered windows and forced families to seek shelter. One Kyiv resident said successive blasts left homes destroyed and residents fleeing with little warning.
Russia’s Defence Ministry said the strikes were carried out in retaliation for recent Ukrainian attacks inside Russian territory, claiming military-linked facilities were targeted. However, Ukrainian officials and international leaders condemned the strikes for hitting civilian areas.
European Council President António Costa called the assault “horrendous,” while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy renewed urgent calls for increased air defence support from Western allies.
Ukraine has been seeking additional Patriot missile systems, which officials say are crucial for intercepting ballistic threats. Zelenskyy warned that existing defence capabilities remain insufficient to counter the scale and sophistication of Russian attacks.
The latest barrage comes amid intensified fighting and ongoing concerns that global geopolitical tensions, including the Iran conflict, could strain the supply of critical air defence systems needed by Ukraine.
