Key facts
- Russia launched a massive overnight missile and drone assault on several Ukrainian cities.
- At least 15 people, including three children, were killed.
- An apartment block in Pryluky was hit by a Russian missile, causing sections to collapse.
- Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported two fatalities in Kyiv.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated 70 missiles were fired, targeting energy infrastructure.
- Ukraine's air force intercepted over 80% of the 46 drones launched.
Russia launched a widespread missile and drone assault across Ukraine on Wednesday, hitting residential buildings, industrial facilities, and infrastructure, killing at least 15 people, including three children. Ukrainian officials reported that the attacks were among the most severe in recent times.
In Pryluky, a Russian missile struck an apartment block, causing significant collapse and killing at least nine people, according to regional governor Vyacheslav Chaus. Around 40 people were wounded in the attack. Kyiv, Oleksandria, and Kremenchuk also reported fatalities.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that 70 missiles were fired in total, with a key focus on energy infrastructure, describing the strike as "one of the most vile." He noted that ballistic missiles remain a major challenge for Ukraine's air defenses.
Ukraine's air force reported intercepting just over 80% of the 46 jet-powered drones launched by Russia, a higher rate than in previous weeks. However, the air force did not provide an explanation for the increased interception rate. The energy ministry announced the initiation of partial emergency power cuts in five Ukrainian regions due to the attacks.
Russia's defense ministry asserted that its forces conducted a "massive strike" on military-industrial facilities in Kyiv and other regions using high-precision weapons and drones. They claimed targets included sites where Ukrainian defense company Fire Point manufactures and stores missiles and drones.
Zelenskiy also mentioned that Ukrainian troops had struck four targets in Russia over the preceding 24 hours, including two oil facilities. Many Kyiv residents sought shelter in metro stations during the overnight attacks.