Russian missiles and drones bombard Ukraine in hourslong attack
NPR • • world
Key Points:
- Russia launched nearly 700 drones and dozens of ballistic and cruise missiles in a prolonged attack on Ukraine, killing at least 16 civilians and injuring over 80 in the largest aerial barrage in nearly two weeks.
- The assault targeted primarily civilian areas across multiple cities, including Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipro, and Zaporizhzhia, with significant casualties and damage reported.
- Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 667 of 703 incoming targets, but some missiles and drones still caused destruction and loss of life.
- The attack followed Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's recent diplomatic visits to Germany, Norway, and Italy to secure more air defense systems amid concerns over dwindling stockpiles and ongoing Russian strikes.
- Ukrainian officials condemned the attacks as war crimes and called for continued international sanctions and military support to counter Russia's aggression.
