Russia carried out a large combined missile and drone attack on Ukrainian cities overnight, striking residential areas, energy sites, ports, and industrial facilities as the war continued into its fifth year.
Ukrainian officials said the assault hit multiple regions, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, and Poltava. Air raid sirens sounded across much of the country. Air defenses intercepted many incoming missiles and drones, but explosions still caused fires, damaged apartment buildings, schools, medical facilities, and power infrastructure, and forced emergency crews into the streets.
Russia described the operation as a “massive” strike on military-related targets, including refineries, logistics hubs, and port infrastructure. Ukrainian authorities said civilian sites were also hit. Early reports put the confirmed death toll at least at two, with more than a dozen people wounded; later tallies from some of the heaviest-hit areas were higher. Rescue workers worked through the night and into the following day to put out fires and search damaged buildings.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly addressed the attack, saying Russia had used drones and ballistic missiles against critical infrastructure and residential buildings and repeating Kyiv’s call for more air-defense systems.
Alongside the confirmed strikes, unverified posts circulated online claiming a Russian airstrike had killed Zelenskyy at a secure location and that Ukrainian media were covering the incident. No Ukrainian government statement, independent news organization, or international agency has confirmed that claim. Zelenskyy has continued public duties, including comments on the latest barrage. Fact-checkers have previously classified similar reports as hoaxes.
Officials and analysts again warned that wartime social media often spreads false claims about high-profile figures. Until Ukrainian authorities or established news organizations confirm otherwise, reports of the president’s death should be treated as unsubstantiated.
Residents in affected cities were told to remain in shelters and stay alert for further waves. Emergency services continued damage assessments as Ukraine pressed partners for additional air-defense support.
