KYIV – A series of large-scale Russian missile and drone attacks has resulted in the deaths of dozens of civilians and widespread destruction across several regions of Ukraine. The attacks, which began overnight, targeted critical infrastructure, residential buildings, and other civilian sites, according to Ukrainian officials.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the attacks, calling them a “deliberate and brutal act of terror.” In a statement on social media, he said, “This is Russia’s response to our successes on the front lines. They cannot win on the battlefield, so they target our cities and our people.” The President’s office has confirmed that search and rescue operations are ongoing in multiple locations.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia launched a combined assault using cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and an “unprecedented number of” Shahed drones. “We were able to intercept a significant portion of the incoming threats, but unfortunately, many still got through,” said Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat. “The sheer scale of the attack overwhelmed some of our defense systems.”
Initial reports from regional governors indicate that the most significant damage occurred in Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipro, and Kharkiv.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko, Kyiv: “The enemy’s brutal attack has claimed innocent lives in our capital. Residential buildings have been hit, and rescue workers are on the scene. We will not be intimidated by this cowardice.”
Governor Maksym Kozytskyy, Lviv: “Lviv was a target of a massive missile strike. Several critical infrastructure facilities have been damaged, and unfortunately, there are casualties. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims.”
UN Human Rights Office: “We are deeply concerned by reports of a new wave of Russian air strikes on Ukrainian cities. We urge all parties to the conflict to strictly adhere to international humanitarian law and protect civilians at all costs.”
The attacks come amid ongoing Ukrainian counter-offensives in the eastern and southern parts of the country. Russian officials have not yet commented on the specific attacks, but they have repeatedly stated that their military operations are aimed at “demilitarizing” Ukraine and that they do not target civilians. However, a significant body of evidence and reports from international organizations contradicts these claims.
