Russian Missile and Drone Attacks Kill Multiple Civilians Across Ukraine

Russian forces launched a large-scale missile and drone attack against multiple Ukrainian cities overnight, killing multiple civilians and wounding dozens more, according to Ukrainian authorities. The strikes hit several major cities including Kyiv, Dnipro, and Kharkiv, with some residents trapped under the rubble of damaged apartment buildings.

Ukraine's air force reported that Russia launched 656 drones and 73 missiles during the overnight assault, according to Al Jazeera. Politico EU reported the attack involved 650 drones and 73 cruise missiles in what it described as a "fresh nighttime offensive" that caused significant damage in Kyiv. NPR described the assault as involving "hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles" targeting Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. CBS News characterized the attack as "missile and drone strikes" across Ukraine.

Casualty figures varied across reports from different outlets. NPR stated that at least 14 civilians were killed. France24 reported at least 13 people killed and more than 100 wounded, citing authorities. Al Jazeera reported at least 12 people killed and dozens wounded. The Japan Times reported nine dead and dozens wounded. The New York Post, citing Ukrainian authorities, reported at least 11 people killed, dozens injured, and others trapped. CBS News reported that "several" people were killed and "dozens" wounded across Ukraine.

The attacks came days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Moscow was preparing a "massive new strike," according to CBS News. DW reported that Zelenskyy had been warning residents for days that Russia was planning a major assault.

Moscow stated it carried out a "massive" strike, according to DW. The Japan Times reported that Moscow had warned the previous week that it intended to launch "systematic strikes" on targets in Kyiv and had urged foreign nationals to leave.

France24 reported that Kyiv, Dnipro, and Kharkiv were among the hardest-hit cities in the attacks, which occurred early Tuesday. The outlet stated that Russian air strikes hit "several major Ukrainian cities." NPR reported that some people were trapped under the rubble of apartment buildings following the attacks.

The New York Post reported that Ukrainian authorities said Russia attacked the country with a barrage of missiles and drones overnight, causing injuries to dozens and trapping others. CBS News noted that the strikes occurred "days after President Zelenskyy warned Moscow was preparing a 'massive new strike.'"

Authorities have not yet released final casualty figures, and rescue operations continue in affected areas. The varying death tolls across reports reflect the ongoing nature of rescue efforts and the difficulty of confirming casualties in real-time during active conflict conditions.