At least 21 people have been killed after Russia launched a wave of ballistic missile and drone attacks across Ukraine, prompting President Volodymyr Zelensky to renew calls for additional air defence systems, saying more missile interceptors could have saved lives.
The overnight bombardment, described as one of the deadliest on the Kyiv region this year, claimed 17 lives in and around the Ukrainian capital.
Separate attacks in the eastern regions of Kharkiv and Donetsk left four more people dead.
Zelensky said delays in the delivery of advanced anti-ballistic missile systems by Ukraine’s allies were contributing to the growing civilian death toll and destruction.
“Interceptors could have saved lives,” the Ukrainian leader said, adding that supplies from partner countries had been “significantly reduced” this year.
Ukraine has repeatedly appealed to its Western allies, particularly the United States, for more Patriot missile interceptors to strengthen its air defence capabilities.
Officials said none of the ballistic missiles fired during the latest assault were intercepted.
Russia’s Ministry of Defence said the strikes targeted logistics hubs and military supply centres in Kyiv and the surrounding region, claiming the facilities stored weapons, military equipment and drones.
It also said three cargo ships carrying military supplies were struck near the Black Sea port of Odesa.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said residential buildings, a railway station and warehouses were damaged in the attacks, raising fears that more people could be trapped beneath collapsed structures.
Ukraine’s emergency services reported one death and at least 16 injuries within Kyiv city, while another 16 people were killed and 29 injured across the wider Kyiv region.
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In Kharkiv, regional governor Oleh Syniehubov said one person was killed and several others wounded in Russian shelling, with one victim in critical condition.
Donetsk Governor Vadym Filashkin also confirmed three deaths and 27 injuries following separate attacks.
Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched 24 ballistic missiles, four anti-ship missiles and 115 drones during the overnight assault. Air defence units intercepted 98 of the drones but failed to stop any of the ballistic missiles.
Recent Ukrainian military data indicates a decline in missile interception rates compared with the same period last year, while the number of Russian missile launches has risen sharply, reflecting the intensifying aerial campaign.
Meanwhile, Ukraine continued its own cross-border drone operations.
Russian officials said a Ukrainian drone struck a warehouse operated by online retailer Wildberries in the Tula region, sparking a fire and injuring one person. The facility was evacuated before the attack.
The latest escalation comes as both Russia and Ukraine continue exchanging long-range strikes, with each side accusing the other of targeting civilian infrastructure while denying intentionally attacking civilians.
The European Commission also announced that €1.4 billion generated from frozen Russian assets would be used to support Ukraine’s defence and reconstruction efforts as the conflict enters another intense phase.
