KYIV / UKRAINE: A massive Russian aerial offensive struck multiple Ukrainian cities overnight, killing at least four civilians and wounding dozens more, officials confirmed. The unprecedented attack — involving more than 450 drones and 45 missiles — targeted residential areas, energy infrastructure, and military sites, leaving cities like Dnipro and Kharkiv reeling in destruction.
In Dnipro, a drone strike demolished the upper floors of an apartment building, killing two residents and injuring twelve others. Kharkiv also faced significant damage when strikes hit energy‑sector facilities, claiming another life and leaving several people injured. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted hundreds of drones and missiles, but the scale of the bombardment overwhelmed parts of the civilian protection system.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the assault, calling it a deliberate attempt to terrorize civilians and disrupt the country ahead of the winter season. On social media, he urged the international community for stronger sanctions on Russia, emphasizing that attacks on energy infrastructure warrant “a comprehensive response targeting all Russian energy, without exception.”
Russia’s Defense Ministry, however, described the strikes as precision attacks on Ukraine’s military and energy capabilities, asserting the offensive was part of a larger strategic operation. Analysts warn that this marks a dangerous escalation, raising concerns about further targeting of civilian areas and long-term disruption of essential services.
Beyond the immediate casualties, the attacks severely affected power grids, water supplies, and heating systems — critical services as Ukraine braces for winter. The humanitarian toll is mounting, with communities forced into emergency shelters and local authorities struggling to maintain essential services amid continuous bombardment.
International observers have called for urgent measures to protect civilians and prevent further escalation. As the conflict enters its fourth winter, the scale and intensity of this assault underline the ongoing vulnerability of Ukrainian cities and the high stakes of the continuing war. The latest strikes signal a grim reminder that despite defensive measures, the human cost of the conflict continues to climb.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.