ALBAWABA- Russia launched a large-scale overnight missile and drone strikes across Ukraine on Thursday, killing at least 13 people and injuring dozens in one of the deadliest aerial attacks in recent weeks, Ukrainian authorities and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The combined attack targeted multiple regions, including the capital Kyiv, using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, including Kh-101s, and waves of attack drones. The strikes came after Zelenskyy warned that intelligence had indicated a high likelihood of a major Russian attack.
In Kyiv, explosions were reported shortly after 1:00 a.m. local time as air defense systems engaged incoming missiles and drones. One civilian was killed and several others were injured, while fires broke out in the Obolon and Sviatoshyn districts. More than 56,000 residents sought shelter in the capital's metro stations during the attack. Although Ukrainian air defenses intercepted many of the incoming weapons, several missiles and drones struck residential areas.
The deadliest strike occurred in Kryvyi Rih, Zelenskyy's hometown in the Dnipropetrovsk region, where an Iskander-M ballistic missile hit a private home, killing six members of the same family, including two girls aged five and 12.
Additional fatalities were reported in the Dnipropetrovsk and Poltava regions.
In western Ukraine, missiles struck the city of Lviv, damaging residential buildings and injuring around 26 people. Emergency crews continued search-and-rescue operations amid the destruction.
During the barrage, a Russian cruise missile reportedly crossed into Polish airspace before exploding in a field near Tarnawa-Kolonia, creating a large crater. Polish authorities scrambled fighter jets, while NATO activated air defense measures. No casualties were reported in Poland. Russia's Defense Ministry said the strikes targeted Ukraine's military-industrial facilities.
Following the attacks, Zelenskyy described the assault as another act of Russian "terror" and renewed calls for greater international military assistance, particularly additional air defense systems and interceptor missiles. He said protecting Ukrainian civilians "cannot be left to Ukraine alone" and urged allies to accelerate deliveries of critical defensive weapons.
The strikes came shortly after Zelenskyy's meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, where the two leaders discussed strengthening Ukraine's air defenses. According to Ukrainian officials, the talks included plans for licensed domestic production of Patriot interceptor missiles and a proposed "winter package" of at least 300 Patriot interceptors to help protect Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
