Russian forces launched a massive overnight aerial bombardment across Ukraine, killing at least five people and injuring dozens in one of the most severe attacks in ten days. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that the assault involved seven ballistic missiles, 23 cruise missiles, four air-launched guided missiles, and 392 drones. Air defense units managed to intercept 25 missiles and 365 of the drones, though significant damage was inflicted on civilian infrastructure in eleven regions.
The casualties were predominantly civilians, with a 61-year-old woman killed by a drone strike on an electric train in Kharkiv, one person dead and nine injured after a residential high-rise was hit in Zaporizhzhia, at least two fatalities and twelve injuries from strikes on residential buildings and a hotel in Poltava region, and a civilian killed by Russian shelling on his house in Kherson. Additional injuries were reported in Dnipropetrovsk and Sumy regions, highlighting the widespread impact of the attacks beyond frontline areas.
The strikes also had regional repercussions, with Moldova's President Maia Sandu condemning the attack on energy infrastructure in Odesa that disconnected the Isaccea-Vulcanesti power line, a critical link for importing electricity from Romania. Sandu warned that "alternative routes are in place, but the situation remains fragile," placing sole responsibility on Russia. Moldova's foreign ministry stated the attacks "undermine regional energy security and endanger critical civilian infrastructure."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who had warned of an impending "massive strike" in his nightly address, emphasized the need for enhanced protection in a post on X, stating, "These numbers clearly show that more protection is needed to save lives from Russian strikes. It is important to continue supporting Ukraine." The attack notably focused on cities other than Kyiv, indicating a shift in Russian targeting strategy amid a slowdown in ground advances in eastern Ukraine.
The bombardment occurred as Ukrainian officials expressed concerns over waning international focus, with Zelensky alleging that Russia aims to exploit the war in the Middle East to cause greater destruction in Ukraine. He claimed peace negotiations are "constantly postponed" due to the conflict involving Iran, suggesting that the US regime's attention and resources are being diverted, thereby weakening Kyiv's defensive capabilities. Recent talks between Ukrainian and US officials failed to yield breakthroughs, with Russia maintaining maximalist demands.
Source: www.bbc.com