Russian missiles and drones struck Kyiv and several other Ukrainian regions overnight, killing at least 21 people and injuring dozens more, according to Ukrainian officials cited by the Associated Press.
Authorities said four children were among the dead as residential areas and civilian infrastructure were hit in one of the latest major attacks of the war.
Kyiv officials said Ukraine had received indications that a large Russian strike could be coming, but the scale of the barrage still placed enormous pressure on air defenses and emergency teams.
Rescue crews continued searching damaged buildings while local authorities worked to restore services in affected areas.
The latest assault comes as both sides continue targeting strategic infrastructure, with the conflict showing little sign of moving toward a lasting settlement.
Ukraine has repeatedly asked Western partners for additional air defense systems and interceptor missiles as Russia increases its use of drones and long range weapons against cities.
The scale of Wednesday’s attack is likely to renew pressure on Kyiv’s allies to accelerate military assistance.
