KYIV, Ukraine — Russian forces launched overnight ballistic missile and drone attacks across Ukraine, killing at least six people, including a nine-year-old child, Ukrainian officials said. Dozens more were injured in strikes that hit multiple regions.
Russia's Defense Ministry said its air defense systems intercepted 605 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory and the annexed Crimean Peninsula.
The northeastern city of Kharkiv reported four fatalities. Local authorities confirmed the death of an elderly woman in a separate strike.
The attacks combined ballistic missiles, drones and guided bombs, Ukrainian authorities said.
Strikes were reported in Kyiv and several other regions, including Balakliia, Sumy and Kherson.
Ukrainian officials have repeatedly cited a shortage of U.S.-made air defense systems as a critical vulnerability in protecting urban centers and infrastructure.
Ukrainian officials and analysts say Moscow's repeated targeting of Ukrainian cities aims to degrade infrastructure and pressure the civilian population as part of a broader effort to weaken Ukraine's military capacity.
The volume of Ukrainian drones reported downed by Russia points to continued offensive operations by Kyiv, typically directed at military installations, logistics hubs or energy facilities inside Russian-held territory.
