Russian missile and drone barrage kills at least 11 across Ukraine, traps residents in collapsed buildings

The main targets included the capital Kyiv, the central city of Dnipro, and the eastern cities of Poltava, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia. Ballistic missiles, which travel on a high-arc trajectory and are difficult to intercept, remain a major vulnerability for Ukraine's air defenses despite the country's growing arsenal of Western-supplied systems.

Kyiv takes the brunt

In Kyiv, at least four people were killed and 58 people were injured, including three children, according to officials. A separate count placed the capital's injury toll at 51 people, also including children. Residential buildings and other civilian infrastructure were damaged in eight of Kyiv's districts, the city's military administration said.

In the Podilskyi district, the upper floors of a nine-story building suffered partial damage, trapping people under the rubble. In the Solomianskyi district, a 20-story building and a 24-story building were damaged, and a suspected missile strike on the 24-story residential building triggered a collapse, with people probably trapped underneath, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

Deadly double strike in Dnipro

In the Dnipropetrovsk region, at least six people were killed and 36 others were injured after Russian strikes hit the city of Dnipro. Twenty-five people were injured in a separate Russian missile and drone attack on the city, and all of them were hospitalized in moderate condition. Regional governor Oleksandr Hanzha reported the casualty figures on Telegram.

The attack in Dnipro destroyed residential buildings, burned out vehicles, and damaged a children's playground. A second attack as first responders arrived at the scene killed one rescuer, underscoring the dangers facing emergency crews operating in active strike zones.

Kharkiv and other cities hit

In Kharkiv, at least 14 people were injured and residential homes, garages, and cars were damaged. A two-story residential building and part of a four-story apartment block were struck, with people trapped beneath the rubble of the larger building. Poltava and Zaporizhzhia, also named as primary targets, sustained hits from the overnight barrage.

Rescue operations were still underway in the early hours of the morning, even as the air raid alert remained in effect. Officials in multiple cities said crews were working to reach residents still believed to be trapped in damaged buildings.

Rescue efforts and official response

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russia was preparing a renewed assault and urged people to remain cautious and seek shelter during air raid alerts. Klitschko, the Kyiv mayor, reported the capital's casualty figures and said a suspected missile strike on a 24-story residential building had left people probably trapped under rubble.

Ukrainian officials have been pressing allies for more air defense missiles to counter Russia's ballistic missile attacks. Ukraine has stepped up attacks on Russian oil facilities in 2025, reflecting an effort to pressure Moscow's war economy as the conflict grinds through a fourth year.

The war between Russia and Ukraine has now lasted more than four years, with Russia repeatedly targeting Ukraine's power supply and civilian infrastructure. Both Russia and Ukraine deny targeting civilians, even as the latest overnight strikes damaged a children's playground in Dnipro and apartment buildings in multiple cities.