Russia has intensified its aerial bombardment of Ukrainian cities, with attacks over the past 24 hours killing at least 13 people and injuring nearly 90 others, according to Ukrainian officials.
The latest wave of missile and drone strikes targeted multiple regions, hitting residential neighborhoods, civilian infrastructure and public facilities. Emergency services were deployed overnight as rescue teams worked to extinguish fires, clear debris and search damaged buildings for survivors.
Ukrainian authorities said some of the heaviest attacks were reported in Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk, where homes, commercial buildings and critical infrastructure sustained significant damage.
Air defence systems intercepted a number of incoming drones and missiles, but officials said several projectiles penetrated the country’s defences and struck populated areas, causing casualties and widespread destruction.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, accusing Russia of deliberately targeting civilians and renewing calls for additional air defence systems and military assistance from Ukraine’s international partners.
Regional officials reported that hospitals were treating dozens of injured victims, including women and children, while emergency responders continued assessing the full extent of the damage. The casualty figures could rise as search operations continue.
Russia has not immediately commented on the latest strikes. Moscow has consistently maintained that its military operations target Ukrainian military and strategic infrastructure, while rejecting accusations that it deliberately attacks civilians.
The renewed bombardment comes as fighting continues along several sections of the front line, with both sides increasing long-range drone and missile attacks in recent weeks. The escalation has further strained Ukraine’s emergency services and critical infrastructure.
Humanitarian organizations have expressed growing concern over the rising civilian toll, urging all parties to respect international humanitarian law and protect non-combatants as the conflict enters another intense phase.
The latest attacks underscore the continuing volatility of the war, with no immediate signs of a breakthrough in diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
