Russia Launches Massive Drone and Missile Attack on Ukraine; At Least 8 Killed

At least eight people were killed and ten others injured after a Russian missile struck a five-storey residential building in Kharkiv, the second-largest city in Ukraine. The incident occurred during a large-scale overnight attack launched by Russia, officials said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy strongly condemned the assault and called on the international community to respond. According to Zelenskyy, Russian forces carried out a widespread aerial offensive throughout the night, launching 29 missiles and as many as 480 drones targeting several parts of Ukraine. Widespread Strikes Across the Country The attacks reportedly targeted power plants near Kyiv and other central regions of the country. Authorities said at least seven locations across Ukraine were struck during the coordinated assault. Ukrainian air defence systems managed to intercept a significant number of incoming weapons, shooting down 19 missiles and 453 drones. However, nine missiles and 26 drones managed to hit targets, causing damage at 22 separate sites. Infrastructure Damage and Transport Disruptions The strikes also affected railway infrastructure, leading to operational disruptions and forcing authorities to divert several train routes. Emergency responders continued rescue and recovery operations at the damaged residential building in Kharkiv. In a public statement, President Zelenskyy said Russia continues to target residential areas and critical infrastructure in Ukraine. He stressed that international support for Ukraine must continue and expressed hope that the European Union would work closely with Kyiv to ensure the safety of Ukrainian citizens. Use of Iranian-Made Drones During the war, which began four years ago, Russia has repeatedly used Iranian-made Shahed drones in attacks on Ukraine. Reports indicate that thousands of these drones have been deployed during the conflict. Meanwhile, Iran has also reportedly used the same type of drones in the Middle East amid ongoing tensions involving the United States and Israel, highlighting the expanding role of drone warfare in regional conflicts.