President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has responded to Russia’s massive overnight attack on Kyiv and several regions, which left at least four people dead and dozens injured. He stressed that Russia deliberately targeted civilians and infrastructure using hundreds of drones and various types of missiles.
The President said that emergency services have been working at the strike sites since the night, and that the attack was deliberately planned by Russia to cause maximum harm to civilians and infrastructure.
According to Zelenskyy, dozens of people were injured, including children and a pregnant woman, and four people were killed. In total, Russia used around 430 drones and 18 missiles in its massive strike, including ballistic and aeroballistic types. Kyiv was the main target, with dozens of residential high-rises damaged; fragments of a Russian missile also damaged the Embassy of Azerbaijan.
Strikes also hit Kyiv region, Kharkiv region, and Odesa region. Preliminary reports indicate that Russia used a Zircon missile in Sumy region. Zelenskyy said that Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported to him on rescue operations, while Air Force Commander Anatolii Kryvonozhko briefed him on the results of air defence efforts.
The President emphasised that Ukraine is responding to these attacks with long-range capabilities, and that the international community must stop Russian strikes through sanctions. He noted that Russia still manages to sell oil and bypass restrictions, and this must be stopped. He added that work with partners to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence continues, but it is not enough — additional systems and interceptor missiles are urgently needed.