Russian forces launched a devastating attack on Ukraine with ballistic missiles and drones, killing at least 17 people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that air defense interceptors "could have saved lives," highlighting the urgent need for more Patriot systems from allies.

The attack, which began after midnight on Wednesday, was one of the deadliest on Kyiv this year. Residential buildings, a railway station, and warehouses were hit, injuring at least 44 people. Zelensky emphasized that delays in receiving anti-ballistic systems from partners lead to "horrific casualties and destruction."

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed it struck logistics hubs and supply centers in Kyiv and the surrounding region, allegedly involved in storing and delivering weapons and military supplies, as well as producing and distributing unmanned aerial vehicles. The ministry also said it hit three cargo vessels near the Black Sea port of Odesa, purportedly transporting weapons.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko expressed fears that people could be trapped under rubble. Ukraine's air force reported that Russia launched 24 ballistic missiles and four anti-ship missiles at the capital, along with 115 drones, of which 98 were intercepted by air defense systems.

Russia has intensified attacks on Kyiv in recent weeks, while Ukraine has increased strikes on Russian civilian infrastructure, including power facilities. In the Tula region, a drone crashed into a Wildberries warehouse, causing a fire, with one person injured, according to Governor Dmitry Milyaev.

Ukraine condemned a video showing a man chased by a drone in Kherson, calling it a deliberate "hunt" and "safari" targeting civilians. Both sides deny intentionally targeting civilians, but the conflict continues to escalate with mounting casualties on both sides.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk