A large-scale Russian missile and drone assault across Ukraine has killed at least 22 people and left more than 100 injured, according to Ukrainian officials. The overnight strikes, described as one of Moscow’s most intense recent attacks, targeted multiple cities including Kyiv and Dnipro.
In the city of Dnipro, regional authorities reported 16 deaths, including an eight-year-old boy and three women pulled from the rubble of destroyed apartment buildings. In the capital Kyiv, six people were confirmed killed as rescue teams continued searching through collapsed structures.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the attacks struck civilian infrastructure and energy facilities nationwide, causing widespread destruction and disruption. He also confirmed that more than 100 civilians were injured in the strikes.
Ukraine reported that Russia launched 656 drones and 73 missiles of various types, including ballistic and cruise systems. Zelenskyy warned ahead of the attack that a major strike was possible and urged citizens to remain alert to air raid warnings.
In response, Russia’s defence ministry said the operation was carried out in retaliation for earlier Ukrainian attacks, claiming all intended objectives were achieved. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that such “systematic strikes” would continue, alleging they target Ukrainian military infrastructure.
Moscow also referenced an earlier incident in late May involving a student dormitory in occupied eastern Ukraine, while Kyiv said it had struck a Russian military unit in return.
Zelenskyy renewed calls for urgent military assistance, particularly Patriot missile systems used for air defense, noting shortages of interception equipment amid ongoing conflict.
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