Russia launched a massive wave of drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, killing 11 people and damaging residential buildings and energy infrastructure across multiple regions, Ukrainian officials reported.
Deadly Strikes on Poltava and Other Cities
A Russian missile struck an apartment building in Poltava, killing seven people and injuring 14, including three children, according to Ukraine’s Interior Ministry. Images posted on Telegram showed the building’s upper floors destroyed, with thick smoke rising as rescue teams searched through the rubble.
In Kharkiv, a drone attack killed one person and injured four, the city’s mayor confirmed. Meanwhile, in the Sumy region, three police officers were killed while patrolling during the strikes.
President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attacks, stressing the urgent need for more air defense systems. “Every air defense system, every anti-missile weapon saves lives,” he said.
Widespread Damage to Infrastructure
Ukraine’s air force reported that Russian forces launched 123 drones and over 40 missiles, with air defense units successfully intercepting 56 drones and redirecting 61 others.
In Poltava, the attack damaged 18 apartment buildings, a kindergarten, and energy infrastructure. Additional damage was reported in Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, Sumy, and Khmelnytskyi. According to Kharkiv Governor Oleh Syniehubov, Russian forces used six missiles and 17 Shahed drones to strike gas facilities and other key infrastructure.
Russia Intensifies Attacks on Energy Sector
Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed targeting Ukraine’s gas and energy infrastructure, while also claiming to have shot down 108 Ukrainian drones over the last 24 hours.
Since March 2024, Russia has repeatedly attacked Ukraine’s power sector, knocking out nearly half of the country’s generating capacity and triggering rolling blackouts.
As the war nears its three-year mark, Russia continues to make small but steady advances in eastern Ukraine, moving closer to the strategic hub of Pokrovsk. Both sides are increasingly using drones to disrupt supply lines and strike critical infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Saturday’s assault followed a Russian missile strike the night before that severely damaged the historic center of Odesa on the Black Sea coast.
