Russia's massive drone and missile attack kills 13 in Ukraine; Zelensky urges US missile aid

Ukraine endured a "difficult night" as a massive Russian assault involving drones and missiles claimed at least 13 lives and injured dozens across the country. The Ukrainian Interior Ministry confirmed the casualty figures, with the city of Dnipro bearing the brunt of the attack, reporting nine fatalities and 35 injured.

Kyiv also suffered casualties, with four people killed and over 60 residents injured. Firefighters worked for hours to extinguish blazes in six different areas of the capital. Kharkiv was targeted by 15 attack drones and two missiles, resulting in at least ten injuries, including an 11-year-old girl. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone attack reportedly killed one person in Russia's Kursk region.

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In the night, Russia launched 656 attack drones and 73 missiles of various types against our citizens: ballistic, cruise, anti-ship. A large-scale attack and an absolutely transparent declaration by Russia: if Ukraine is not protected from ballistic attacks and other missiles, these attacks will continue.

President Volodymyr Zelensky described the assault as "large-scale" and a "transparent declaration" from Russia, stating that such attacks will continue if Ukraine is not adequately protected from ballistic and other missile threats. He emphasized the urgent need for Europe to bolster its missile defense and reiterated calls for U.S. assistance in supplying Patriot missile systems.

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Europe needs its own missile defense so that this war can finally end. And U.S. help in supplying Patriot missiles is absolutely necessary.

"An attack on a large scale and an absolutely clear statement from Russia: if Ukraine is not protected from ballistic attacks and other missile attacks, these attacks will continue," Zelensky wrote on X, confirming the 13 deaths, including a child. He deemed U.S. aid for Patriot missiles "absolutely necessary."

Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed carrying out a "massive attack" targeting "defense industry facilities" in various Ukrainian regions, including Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv. Moscow claimed to have used hypersonic missiles and stated that Ukrainian forces launched 148 drones against Russia overnight, all of which were reportedly intercepted.

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A massive attack on Ukrainian military facilities.