Russia launches massive drone and missile attack on Ukraine, killing four and damaging energy infrastructure

Russia launched a massive overnight attack against Ukraine on Saturday, utilizing more than 450 attack drones and 45 missiles of various types, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The strikes killed at least four people and wounded dozens, while severely damaging major energy infrastructure across several regions.

The targets of the strikes remained focused on civilian life, residential buildings, and the country's energy sector, President Zelensky said.

The Ukrainian Air Force stated that it successfully intercepted 406 drones and nine missiles. However, 52 drones and 26 missiles managed to strike 25 targets across the country, according to officials.

The city of Dnipro was among the hardest hit areas, where a drone struck a residential apartment building. Officials reported that two people were killed and 12 others were wounded in Dnipro. Rescue operations were underway throughout the morning to assist those trapped or injured.

An additional fatality was reported in the Kharkiv region. Injuries were also reported in the Kyiv and Poltava regions, according to President Zelensky.

Beyond Dnipro and Kharkiv, Russian forces also struck the Dnipropetrovsk, Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv, Sumy, Chernihiv, and Odesa regions.

The attacks inflicted significant damage on critical energy infrastructure, particularly in the regions of Kyiv, Poltava, and Kharkiv, according to First Deputy Prime Minister Iulia Sviridenko.

The strikes further deteriorated Ukraine's already strained energy system as the country begins to face winter conditions, with temperatures approaching 0°C. The damage affects the supply of electricity, water, and heating across the affected areas.

Ms. Sviridenko confirmed that the government and energy companies were working urgently to restore essential services.