Nine Dead as Russian Drones and Missiles Hit Ukraine

Overnight Russian drone and missile attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least nine people and injuries to dozens across Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the strikes targeted civilian areas and infrastructure, emphasizing the need for increased international pressure and effective sanctions against Russia. He appealed for further air defense missile assistance from allies to counter the persistent barrages.

The attacks notably impacted western Ukraine, with explosions reported in Lviv and Ternopil, where a residential building was hit, and in the northeastern Kharkiv region, where apartment buildings, a school, and an ambulance substation sustained damage. Ukraine's energy ministry confirmed emergency power outages in several regions due to damaged facilities. Russia claimed to have intercepted US-made ATACMS missiles fired by Ukraine at Voronezh, with debris causing minor damage but no casualties.

President Zelenskyy's plea for enhanced air defenses comes as he engages in diplomatic efforts to secure support and revive peace talks. These assaults underscore the ongoing intensity of the conflict, with Russia having escalated its strikes on Ukraine's energy grid and civilian sites in recent months. Neighboring Poland briefly closed airports and scrambled aircraft in response to the heightened activity.