Russian Drone, Missile Strikes Kill Six Across Ukraine Overnight/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ At least six Ukrainians were killed as Russia launched extensive drone, missile, and bomb attacks overnight and into Saturday. Hundreds of drones and dozens of cruise missiles targeted multiple regions, straining Ukraine’s air defenses. The bombardment underscores Moscow’s intensified offensive amid a stalemated frontline conflict.
Russian Drone Strikes Kill Six Across Ukraine Overnight: Quick Looks
- Casualties Across Regions: At least six killed, dozens injured in Ukraine.
- Diverse Weapons Used: Russia deployed drones, cruise missiles, and guided bombs.
- Southwest Ukraine Hit: Two killed in Chernivtsi from drone debris.
- Lviv Suffers Injuries: Drone attack wounds 12 in western Ukraine.
- Kharkiv Targeted: Eight drones, two missiles hit northeastern city.
- Dnipropetrovsk Fatal Strike: Two killed in Saturday morning missile attack.
- Sumy Bombing: Two killed by Russian guided bomb in northern Ukraine.
- Poland Responds: Polish jets scrambled amid Russian barrages near border.
Russian Drone, Missile Strikes Kill Six Across Ukraine Overnight
Deep Look
Russia unleashed a massive wave of drone, missile, and bomb attacks across Ukraine overnight and into Saturday, killing at least six people and injuring scores more. The escalation signals Moscow’s relentless push to pressure Ukraine’s defenses and deepen the strain on civilian life more than three years into the full-scale war.
The bombardment comes amid Russia’s broader strategy of long-range assaults on Ukrainian cities, combined with ongoing offensives along the sprawling 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line. Despite sustained resistance from Ukrainian forces, the Kremlin appears determined to wear down Ukraine’s air defenses and infrastructure.
Deadly Strikes in Chernivtsi
In one of the deadliest incidents, two people were killed and 14 wounded when Russian forces targeted the Bukovina area in Ukraine’s southwestern Chernivtsi region. Regional Governor Ruslan Zaparaniuk confirmed that debris from a downed drone caused the fatalities.
The attack marks a notable escalation in strikes on regions that had previously been considered relatively safe compared to eastern battle zones. Chernivtsi’s proximity to NATO member Romania underscores the potential for the conflict to threaten neighboring states.
Lviv Under Fire
Further west, 12 people were injured in Ukraine’s Lviv region when Russian drones struck overnight. Lviv has frequently served as a logistical hub for humanitarian aid and military supplies, given its location near the Polish border and relative distance from the front lines.
Regional Governor Maksym Kozytskyi said emergency services were working to clear debris and secure damaged areas. The attack raises concerns over the vulnerability of Ukraine’s western regions, which have become critical for receiving foreign support.
Kharkiv Faces Persistent Threats
Ukraine’s northeastern city of Kharkiv also suffered attacks, as eight drones and two missiles slammed into the city, wounding three people, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov. Kharkiv has been a frequent target for Russian forces throughout the war, given its strategic location near the Russian border.
Local officials said air defense systems intercepted several drones, but falling debris and explosions caused injuries and property damage.
Massive Overnight Barrage
Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched a staggering 597 drones—including combat and decoy types—as well as 26 cruise missiles into Ukraine overnight into Saturday. Ukrainian defenses successfully shot down 319 drones and 25 cruise missiles, while an additional 258 decoy drones were reportedly neutralized by electronic warfare systems.
The scale of the attack reflects Russia’s evolving strategy of combining lethal weaponry with decoy measures to confuse and overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses.
More Casualties in Dnipropetrovsk and Sumy
In central Ukraine, two people were killed Saturday morning in a missile strike on the Dnipropetrovsk region, said regional Governor Serhii Lysak. Details of the target and extent of the damage were not immediately available, but emergency crews were on the scene.
Meanwhile, in Ukraine’s northern Sumy region, two individuals were killed when a Russian guided bomb struck the area. Local officials said rescue operations were ongoing, and additional injuries were feared.
Poland Scrambles Jets
The overnight barrage prompted Poland to scramble fighter jets in regions bordering Ukraine as a precaution. Polish officials said the jets were deployed due to the proximity of Russian attacks, particularly as some missile paths came dangerously close to NATO airspace.
While there was no immediate threat to Poland, the incident highlights the risks of spillover as the conflict continues to rage near NATO’s eastern flank.
Russia Continues Frontline Pressure
Russia’s intensified aerial attacks coincide with ground offensives aimed at breaking Ukrainian defenses along key sectors of the front. Despite heavy fighting, neither side has achieved significant territorial gains in recent weeks.
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed it shot down 33 Ukrainian drones overnight into Saturday, underscoring the ongoing aerial battles taking place on both sides of the conflict.
Humanitarian Toll Mounts
The repeated strikes have compounded Ukraine’s humanitarian crisis, damaging infrastructure, residential buildings, and critical services. Power outages and water supply disruptions are becoming increasingly common in regions under sustained attack.
International organizations continue to call for the protection of civilians and adherence to international law. However, diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire remain stalled, with both Moscow and Kyiv sticking to hardened positions.
As Russia escalates its aerial campaign, Ukraine’s leadership faces mounting pressure to secure additional air defense systems from Western partners to shield its cities and civilians from further devastation.
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