Russia launched one of its largest aerial attacks of the war overnight, firing hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles at Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. Ukrainian officials reported that at least 11 people were killed and more than 100 were injured in the strikes.

The attack came after several days of warnings from Ukrainian authorities that Moscow was preparing a major escalation. Air raid sirens sounded across much of the country as residents rushed into shelters, subway stations, and underground facilities for safety.

In Kyiv, powerful explosions rocked several districts during the night. Emergency crews responded to fires and building collapses caused by missile impacts and falling debris. According to city officials, four people lost their lives in the capital, while dozens of others, including children, were injured.

Witnesses described scenes of devastation as smoke filled residential neighborhoods. Damaged apartment buildings, burned vehicles, and scattered debris were visible across affected areas. Rescue teams searched through rubble amid concerns that additional victims could be trapped beneath collapsed structures.

Ukraine’s Air Force stated that Russia launched 656 drones and 73 missiles during the overnight assault. Officials said most of the weapons were directed toward Kyiv. Air defense units reportedly intercepted or neutralized hundreds of incoming targets, though many still caused significant destruction.

Military officials also reported that the attack included several Zircon hypersonic missiles, among Russia’s fastest and most advanced weapons. The missile system is capable of traveling at extremely high speeds and striking targets at long distances.

Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed that it carried out a large-scale operation against what it described as Ukrainian defense industry facilities, using long-range precision weapons.

Beyond Kyiv, the southeastern city of Dnipro suffered severe damage. Regional authorities reported seven fatalities and dozens of injuries following missile and drone strikes. Residential buildings, vehicles, and public areas were heavily damaged. Emergency services said one rescue worker was killed while responding to an earlier strike.

In the northeastern Kharkiv region, officials reported multiple injuries, including a child, after additional drone and missile attacks.

Neighboring Poland, a member of both the European Union and NATO, activated military aircraft to monitor and protect its airspace during the Russian assault.

Meanwhile, Russian authorities reported attacks on several regions inside Russia. Officials said a drone strike caused a fire at the Ilsky oil refinery in the Krasnodar region. In Belgorod, near the Ukrainian border, an 11-year-old boy was reportedly injured when a drone struck a residential building.

Russian officials stated that air defense systems intercepted numerous Ukrainian drones overnight, while authorities in Russian-controlled Crimea reported efforts to repel additional drone attacks near Sevastopol.

The conflict, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has continued for more than four years. Despite various diplomatic efforts, a negotiated settlement remains elusive, and fighting continues across multiple fronts.

Authorities on both sides have accused each other of targeting civilian areas, while each side denies intentionally attacking civilians.