Russia carried out another large-scale combined missile and drone attack against Ukraine overnight, with Kyiv suffering the most devastating impact. According to Ukrainian authorities, at least 11 people were killed and dozens more injured after ballistic missiles struck residential neighborhoods across the capital.
Ukraine’s air defense forces successfully intercepted nearly all cruise missiles and more than 90% of the attack drones launched during the assault. However, ballistic missiles once again penetrated defenses and hit civilian targets.
Officials reported that Russia launched 68 missiles alongside 351 attack drones during the overnight assault. While Ukrainian defenders achieved a high interception rate against cruise missiles and drones, the shortage of interceptor missiles for Patriot air defense systems limited the country’s ability to stop ballistic threats.
More than ten locations across Kyiv were damaged, including apartment buildings and other civilian infrastructure. Emergency services rescued 64 people, including two children, from damaged buildings. Around 60 people were reported injured.
In the surrounding Kyiv region, three more civilians were killed and 16 others wounded. Rescue operations continue, with more than 400 emergency responders and police officers working at multiple impact sites. Authorities warn that additional victims may still be trapped beneath the rubble.
Ukrainian officials stressed that Russia is increasingly relying on ballistic missile strikes against residential areas after failing to achieve its military objectives on the battlefield. They argue that Moscow is exploiting the limited availability of Patriot interceptor missiles, noting that Russia is currently launching more ballistic missiles against Ukraine each month than the global production of Patriot interceptors.
Ukraine’s Defense Minister announced plans to hold urgent talks with defense ministers from partner countries that possess Patriot missile stockpiles, urging allies to temporarily transfer interceptor missiles from existing inventories while future procurement contracts are fulfilled.
Ukrainian officials emphasized that interceptor missiles are needed immediately to protect civilians and warned that bureaucratic delays could cost additional lives.
“The simple decision to temporarily provide these missiles from allied stockpiles would save countless Ukrainian lives,” the Defense Ministry said, calling on partners to prioritize immediate deliveries.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal condemned the attack as another deliberate act of Russian terror against civilians.
“Unable to achieve its military goals, Russia continues to deliberately target peaceful Ukrainians,” he said, adding that stronger air defenses and tougher sanctions aimed at limiting Russia’s missile production remain essential to stopping the attacks.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also called on Ukraine’s international partners, particularly the United States and European allies, to make strong decisions on additional air defense support, stressing that Patriot interceptor missiles sitting in allied warehouses could save lives in Ukraine today.
