Russian forces bombarded more than 30 Ukrainian cities and villages overnight, using missiles and drones, President Volodymyr Zelensky reported. Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia deployed 367 aerial weapons, including 298 drones—mainly Iranian-made Shahed models—and 69 missiles. This marks the largest air assault since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Key cities affected included Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Dnipro, Mykolaiv, Cherkasy, and Sumy. Falling drone debris sparked fires in homes and businesses across these areas.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the raid as “the most massive Russian air attack in weeks,” lasting throughout the night. President Zelensky condemned the strikes as deliberate attacks on civilians and residential zones, urging Western nations to increase sanctions. “Only strong pressure can stop Russia’s brutality,” he said.
The overnight assault caused at least 12 deaths and dozens of injuries. Kyiv saw the death of three children and four civilians. Khmelnytskyi lost four residents due to the strikes, while Mykolaiv authorities reported one fatality from drone debris hitting homes. Emergency responders worked through the night to rescue survivors and put out fires triggered by the bombardment.
Despite the heavy attacks, Ukraine’s military continued to defend its positions along the front line. Officials confirmed widespread damage and injuries across multiple regions. President Zelensky called for urgent international aid to protect civilians amid the ongoing air campaign.
The airstrike occurred during the third day of a major prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine. Officials said the swap was the only clear outcome from recent talks held in Istanbul. However, fighting persisted unabated along the approximately 1,000-kilometre frontline. Neither side paused deep strikes or artillery fire despite the exchange.
Russian Defence Ministry claimed it intercepted 110 Ukrainian drones during the night. Moscow temporarily shut down major airports—Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovsky. Moscow’s mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, stated that air defenses shot down six drones approaching the capital. These incidents highlight growing disruptions in Russian airspace amid escalating drone warfare along the border.