KYIV, UKRAINE — In one of the largest assaults since the war began, Russia launched a massive overnight barrage on Ukraine, firing over 400 drones and 40 missiles, killing at least six people and injuring over 80, according to CNN reports citing Ukrainian officials.
The widespread strike hit nine regions across the country, including Kyiv, Lviv, and Sumy, targeting cities from the west to the northeast. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack, describing it as among the most severe and far-reaching since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Casualties and Impact
- Three firefighters were killed while responding to emergencies in Kyiv.
- Two civilians died in Lutsk, a city in western Ukraine.
- One person was killed in Chernihiv.
- Over 80 people sustained injuries amid the missile and drone strikes, with infrastructure damage reported across multiple cities.
Emergency services rushed to contain fires and rescue people from rubble in the aftermath of the strikes, which left large parts of residential and energy infrastructure in ruins.
Background and Retaliation Narrative
The attack follows Ukraine’s bold strike last weekend that reportedly damaged over a third of Russia’s strategic cruise missile carriers, marking one of Kyiv’s most daring operations in recent months.
Russia’s Ministry of Defence claimed the overnight strikes were in retaliation to what it labeled as “terrorist acts” by Kyiv. However, it remains unclear whether this assault marks the full extent of Russia’s response or whether President Vladimir Putin plans to escalate further.
During a phone call with former U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday, Putin reportedly hinted at the need to “respond” to Ukrainian provocations — a remark interpreted by some as a warning of intensified military actions.
Ukrainian Morale Remains High
Despite the destruction and death toll, the mood in Kyiv remains defiant. Citizens expressed continued support for the Ukrainian military and recent counter-strikes.
“It didn’t break us at all. The morale is as high as it was. We strongly believe in our armed forces,” said Olha, a 39-year-old resident of Kyiv.
She added, “Maybe this was the retaliation, but maybe the retaliation is yet to come. Either way, it doesn’t change our attitude towards the enemy or towards our country.”
International Reactions and Next Steps
As Kyiv braces for further escalations, global leaders are expected to monitor Moscow’s next moves closely. With Ukraine’s allies, particularly the U.S. and NATO members, reinforcing their support, questions remain over whether this exchange signals a renewed phase in the war or a short-lived spike in hostilities.
While Ukraine’s strategic strike may have dealt a blow to Russia’s aerial capabilities, the latest attacks underline the high stakes and volatility of a war now well into its third year — with no end in sight.