Watch: ‘Scariest night’ as Ukraine fails to intercept Russian attack
Ukraine endured what one resident called the "scariest night" of the war after Russia launched a large-scale combined drone and missile attack, killing at least 21 people and injuring dozens more. While many of the drones were intercepted, Ukraine's depleted air defences failed to stop a significant number of the incoming missiles, allowing extensive damage across the country.
Russia fired 115 drones and 24 ballistic missiles in the assault. Near Kyiv, resident Anastasiia Dudley's home was severely damaged, with the BBC's Dan Johnson visiting the site to document the destruction and the emotional impact on those affected.
In short
- Russian attack on Ukraine killed 21, injured dozens.
- 115 drones and 24 ballistic missiles were fired.
- Depleted Ukrainian air defences failed to stop many missiles.
Explained simply
Since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, both countries have carried out attacks far beyond the front lines. Russia has repeatedly used drones and missiles against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, while Ukraine relies on air-defence systems to try to intercept them.
Ukraine’s air defences include systems and weapons supplied by its own forces and by foreign partners. Their ability to protect the country depends on having enough equipment and ammunition, and attacks involving different types of weapons can put pressure on those defences.
The attacks matter because they pose a continuing risk to civilians and homes, as well as to infrastructure people rely on. The scale of damage also keeps the supply and effectiveness of air-defence support in focus for Ukraine and its partners.