Russia Launches Massive Drone and Missile Assault on Ukraine

Last night, Russia unleashed a massive coordinated assault on Ukraine, launching over 500 drones and 45 missiles targeting cities across the south and southeast, including Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, Pavlohrad, and the capital, Kyiv. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted the majority, but the remaining strikes caused significant damage and casualties.

In Zaporizhzhia alone, at least one civilian was killed and 28 others, among them children, were wounded. The attacks damaged dozens of homes, businesses, and infrastructure, and left tens of thousands of households without power. Similar destruction and civilian harm were reported in the Dnipropetrovsk region, where authorities described it as a massive attack, urging residents to seek cover.

Meanwhile, Ukraine mounted a swift retaliation. Its forces struck two key Russian oil refineries, one in Krasnodar and another in Syzran, Samara Oblast, triggering explosions and fires. These refineries play a strategic role in Moscow’s fuel supply, particularly for its military operations.

The scale of Russia’s aerial bombardment marks one of the most intense in weeks, coinciding with faltering international diplomatic efforts to end the war. Ukraine’s president reaffirmed that the only path to renewed dialogue lies through tough sanctions and real-world actions, as Kyiv continues to leverage drone strikes to cripple Russia’s energy infrastructure.

Sources: BBC News, The Guardian, The Sun, AP News, Reuters