At least 15 civilians, including three children, were killed and over 40 injured when Russian missiles and drones struck Kyiv and 12 other regions overnight, according to Ukrainian officials.
The attack was expected after President Volodymyr Zelensky warned a day earlier that intelligence suggested Moscow was preparing a “massive” bombardment. Despite this warning, Ukrainian forces struggled to fully defend against the assault, which coincided with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s 74th birthday.
This latest wave of violence underscores the difficulties Ukraine faces in countering Russia’s advanced ballistic weapons and jet-powered drones. A lack of ammunition for US-made Patriot air defence systems has hindered Kyiv’s ability to intercept the missiles effectively. As a result, Ukraine is racing to develop new high-speed interceptors capable of targeting Russia’s fast-moving drones.
With ground forces largely stalled in the ongoing conflict more than four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion, both countries continue their aerial confrontations. While the relentless air warfare strains Russian resources, it poses severe risks to Ukraine.
In Pryluky, an apartment block was destroyed, resulting in nine deaths, including three children, and 34 injuries. Casualties were also reported in Kyiv and two other cities, as Zelensky noted that the strikes were intended to inflict significant pain.
Amidst this chaos, Zelensky is actively seeking additional Patriot missile supplies, as they are scarce due to the ongoing conflict in Iran. “Russian ballistic missiles remain the greatest challenge,” he stressed, highlighting the urgent need for air defence systems.
In Kremenchuk, two fatalities and seven injuries were reported, with rescue operations ongoing. Zelensky condemned the enemy for instilling fear in civilians, saying, “That is exactly what the enemy is counting on,” referring to the anxiety around personal safety.
Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed responsibility for the large-scale attack, targeting industrial facilities associated with missile and drone production across Ukraine. Additionally, they claimed to have struck port facilities in southern Odesa.
In retaliation, Ukraine has launched long-range drones against Russian oil refineries and storage sites. Zelensky confirmed attacks on facilities in the Perm, Samara, and Astrakhan regions of Russia and indicated that Ukraine targeted a burning oil tanker in the Black Sea, though these claims are not independently verified.
No immediate comment has been made by Russian officials regarding the attacks.
