Russia launches massive overnight attack on Ukraine, 18 killed in strikes

At least 18 people, including children, were killed after Russia launched one of its biggest missile and drone attacks on Ukraine in recent months, targeting Kyiv, Dnipro and key civilian infrastructure.

Kyiv: Russia launched one of its largest missile and drone attacks on Ukraine in recent months, killing at least 18 people and injuring more than 100 others across multiple cities overnight, Ukrainian officials said on Tuesday.

According to Ukrainian authorities, the attacks targeted residential areas, civilian infrastructure and energy facilities in several parts of the country, including Kyiv, Dnipro, Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia.

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Children Among Dead in Dnipro

Regional officials said at least 12 people were killed in the city of Dnipro after an apartment building was heavily damaged in the strike. Among the victims were an eight-year-old boy and a woman whose bodies were recovered from the rubble by rescue teams.

Several others, including children, were reported injured as emergency workers continued search operations through the debris.

Kyiv Hit by Heavy Missile and Drone Barrage

In the capital city Kyiv, at least six people were killed as explosions rocked several neighbourhoods during the early hours of Tuesday. Fires broke out near apartment blocks, a petrol station and construction sites, while blackouts were reported in parts of the city.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia launched 656 drones and 73 missiles, including ballistic and cruise missiles, during the overnight assault.

“The main strike was on Kyiv,” Zelensky said, adding that civilian infrastructure suffered significant damage.

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Russia Says Attacks Were Retaliatory

Russia’s defence ministry claimed the strikes were carried out in response to earlier Ukrainian attacks and said all intended targets had been hit successfully. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia would continue what he described as “systematic strikes” against Ukrainian military infrastructure.

The escalation comes amid heightened tensions following recent fighting involving Russian and Ukrainian forces in occupied eastern regions and along the Lebanon-linked geopolitical front involving Moscow’s allies.

Ukraine Appeals for More Air Defence Support

Zelensky renewed calls for additional Western military assistance, particularly Patriot missile systems needed to intercept incoming Russian attacks. Ukraine has repeatedly warned about shortages in air defence equipment as Russian drone and missile assaults intensify across the country.