Russia Launches Deadly Missile and Drone Assault on Kyiv and Dnipro

Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on several Ukrainian cities early Tuesday, killing at least 10 people and injuring around 100 others, according to Ukrainian officials. The strikes hit Kyiv, Dnipro, and Kharkiv amid growing concerns over a potential escalation in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

In Kyiv, four people were killed and 58 were wounded, including children, Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported. Powerful explosions shook the capital overnight, damaging residential buildings, vehicles, and public infrastructure. A suspected missile strike caused part of a 24-story apartment building to collapse, raising fears that residents could still be trapped beneath the rubble. Fires also broke out in multiple districts after debris from intercepted missiles fell across the city.

Residents described scenes of chaos as thousands sought shelter in Kyiv’s subway system while air defense systems worked to intercept incoming threats. Witnesses reported hearing additional explosions after sunrise.

The southeastern city of Dnipro and surrounding areas also suffered heavy damage. Regional authorities confirmed six deaths and 36 injuries following a combined missile and drone assault. Images released by officials showed destroyed apartment buildings, burned vehicles, and damaged recreational areas.

The attacks came after warnings from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who said intelligence reports indicated Russia was preparing a major strike. He stated that Ukrainian defense forces remained on high alert and ready to respond.

Meanwhile, both sides reported attacks within their own territories. Russian authorities 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 after a drone hit a residential home. Russia also claimed its air defenses intercepted 148 Ukrainian drones overnight.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict, which began with Moscow’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, continues with no significant progress toward a negotiated settlement. Diplomatic efforts remain limited as global attention is increasingly focused on conflicts in other regions.