At least three people were killed and over 30 others injured following a massive wave of airstrikes by Russia across Ukraine overnight, confirmed President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Zelensky described the attacks as part of a “deliberate strategy” aimed at intimidating civilians and destroying infrastructure, noting that one missile directly struck a residential building, causing fatalities and significant property damage.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Moscow launched 619 drones and missiles, while the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed the strikes used precision weapons targeting military-industrial facilities.
At the same time, Russia accused Ukraine of a drone attack in the Saratov region, claiming four fatalities, while Ukraine said it targeted a major oil refinery there and another facility in Samara, according to the BBC.
Analysts note that drone-based cross-border attacks have become a regular feature of the conflict. In July, a Ukrainian drone strike temporarily closed all airports in Moscow. Ukraine continues to focus on energy and industrial infrastructure to weaken Russia’s military capabilities.
Meanwhile, Russia has significantly escalated airstrikes in recent weeks, despite ongoing calls from Kyiv and Western allies, including the U.S., for a ceasefire and diplomatic resolution.
