Russia launched its most significant aerial attack in weeks, unleashing nearly 700 drones and dozens of missiles across Ukraine. The hours-long barrage, extending from daytime into night, killed at least 16 civilians and injured over 100, officials reported Thursday.
Kyiv resident Tetiana Sokol described the terrifying experience, with missiles hitting near her home and shattering windows. "We were shocked, we didn’t know where to run," she recounted.
European Council President António Costa condemned the attack as "yet another horrendous attack" while civilians slept. The bombardment followed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's recent European tour seeking enhanced air defense systems.
Ukraine's air force stated its defenses intercepted 667 out of 703 incoming targets. However, 20 drones and 12 missiles struck 26 locations. In Russia's Krasnodar region, a 14-year-old girl and a woman were reported killed in Ukrainian strikes in Tuapse.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated, "These are war crimes that must be stopped and their perpetrators held to account."