Russia launched one of its most intense attacks on Ukraine in recent months overnight, killing at least 22 people and injuring more than 100 others in strikes that hit multiple cities, Ukrainian officials said Tuesday.
The deadliest attack occurred in Dnipro, where Russian missiles and drones struck residential areas, killing 16 people, including two children. Regional Governor Oleksandr Hanzha said dozens more were injured as homes, vehicles and public infrastructure were damaged.
Rescue teams continued searching through the wreckage of a four-story apartment building that was partially destroyed in the attack. Ukrainian officials said one emergency responder was among those killed.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia launched more than 650 drones along with dozens of ballistic, cruise and anti-ship missiles during the overnight assault.
In the capital, Kyiv, at least six people were killed and 65 injured, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Several apartment buildings caught fire or suffered heavy damage as explosions rocked the city throughout the night.
As air raid sirens sounded, more than 41,000 residents reportedly sought shelter inside Kyiv’s metro system, marking one of the largest nighttime shelter movements recorded since the war began.
The latest attacks come after Russia warned of a new phase of intensified strikes against Ukraine. Moscow has recently stepped up long-range missile and drone operations as fighting continues on multiple fronts.
Following the assault, Zelenskyy renewed calls for additional military assistance from the United States, particularly air defense missiles needed to intercept incoming attacks.
“Protection from ballistic missiles remains critical,” Zelenskyy said, stressing that continued support for Patriot air-defense systems would help save civilian lives.
The Ukrainian leader argued that without stronger air defenses, Russian missile attacks on cities and civilian infrastructure are likely to continue.
The strikes highlight the ongoing pressure facing Ukraine as the war enters another year, with both sides increasingly relying on long-range weapons while diplomatic efforts remain stalled.
