At least three people have been killed and more than 30 injured in a massive overnight Russian aerial attack on Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky says.
He says regions across the country were targeted as part of a deliberate strategy to intimidate civilians and destroy our infrastructure, with one direct missile hit reported on a residential building.
Ukraine's air force says Moscow launched 619 drones and missiles. Russia's defence ministry claims its massive strike utilized precision weapons targeting military-industrial facilities.
In a separate incident, Russia alleges that four individuals died due to a Ukrainian drone attack on the Saratov region, where Kyiv reportedly hit a significant oil refinery.
Ukraine has announced that another Russian oil refinery was also damaged in the neighboring Samara region.
Independent verification of claims from both warring sides remains unconfirmed. Cross-border drone raids have prominently featured in the conflict, including a July incident that temporarily closed all of Moscow's airports.
Kyiv has consistently targeted Russian oil and industrial sites, which are vital to Russia's war efforts. Recently, Moscow has intensified its aerial offensives against Ukraine amid ongoing calls for a ceasefire from Kyiv and its Western allies, including the US.
Earlier this month, a Russian Iskander cruise missile struck a main government building in Kyiv. President Zelensky stated he planned to meet US President Donald Trump at the United Nations General Assembly next week, as both leaders seek resolutions towards ending the conflict.
In the backdrop of these tensions, Poland and Romania have reported incidents of Russian drones breaching their airspace, signaling an escalation in hostilities that could affect regional stability.
