Russia launches deadliest aerial assault of the year on Ukraine, killing 16, officials say

Key Points:

• Russia conducted its deadliest aerial assault on Ukraine this year, using nearly 700 drones and 19 ballistic missiles, killing 16 people including a 12-year-old child, with significant damage in Kyiv, Odesa, and Dnipro.
• Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported four deaths in the capital, including the child, and described a drone strike on an 18-story building, while southeastern cities Mykolaiv and Kherson lost power due to attacks on energy infrastructure.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, urging allies to maintain or increase sanctions on Russia and provide comprehensive support to defend Ukrainian lives and achieve peace.
• The U.S. Treasury Department announced it will not renew a sanctions waiver on certain Russian oil sales, which had previously helped stabilize markets during the Iran conflict, signaling tighter restrictions on Russian energy exports.
• Both sides reported significant interceptions during the assault, with Russia claiming to have shot down 207 Ukrainian drones, and Ukraine stating it downed 31 missiles and 636 drones from the Russian attack.