Russia Drone Attack on Ukraine: 18 Killed in Massive Aerial Assault; Kyiv, Odesa Hit

People stand outside a Bapt church damaged a Russian guided aerial bomb, in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. (Photo: AP)

Russia launched one of its largest aerial attacks on Ukraine this year, killing at least 18 people and injuring more than 100 across several cities, Ukrainian authorities said, according to CNN.

Ukraine’s air force said Russia fired 659 drones and 44 missiles over a 24-hour period, targeting cities including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia.

“Over the past day and night, Russia carried out a massive attack against Ukraine with almost 700 drones and dozens of missiles,” Ukrainian Foreign Miner Andrii Sybiha said. “The attack primarily targeted civilians.”

Deaths reported across cities

In Kyiv, four people were killed, including a 12-year-old boy whose body was found in the rubble of a destroyed building. At least 48 others were injured, the State Emergency Service said.

A construction company executive said a strike landed close to a residential project site, injuring six workers. Two were reported to be in serious condition.Story continues below this ad

In Odesa, eight people were killed in a residential building hit first a drone and later a missile, according to local authorities. Emergency footage showed rescuers carrying victims from the site.

At the Odesa National Music Academy, officials said a dormitory was damaged. “Students were evacuated… five students were injured and have received medical treatment,” an adminrator said.

Three people were killed and 34 injured in Dnipro, while one death was reported in Zaporizhzhia.

Ukraine condemns strikes

Ukrainian officials criticised the attacks and called for accountability.Story continues below this ad

“Such attacks cannot be normalised. These are war crimes that must be stopped,” Sybiha said.President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the strikes showed Russia was continuing its military campaign.

“Another night has proven that Russia does not deserve any easing of global policy or lifting of sanctions,” he said.

The strikes came days after a brief ceasefire announced Russian President Vladimir Putin during the Orthodox Easter period.

Zelenskyy said he had discussed defence cooperation with Italian officials, including President Sergio Mattarella and Defence Miner Guido Crosetto.Story continues below this ad

Ukrainian authorities said emergency services continued rescue operations in affected areas, as damage assessments were under way.