Russian strikes across Ukraine kill 15, including three children
Russia launched large-scale overnight strikes across central and eastern Ukraine, killing at least 15 people, including children. President Volodymyr Zelensky described the attack as one of Russia's "most vile" assaults, with 70 missiles fired at targets including residential areas and energy infrastructure. The strikes mark an escalation in Russia's campaign to damage Ukraine's energy facilities whilst Ukraine retaliates with attacks on Russian targets.
A five-storey residential building in Pryluky, Chernihiv region, was destroyed with nine deaths confirmed, including three children, and rescue workers continue searching the rubble for survivors. Additional casualties were reported in Dnipro, Kremenchuk, Kyiv and Oleksandriya, with verified footage showing damage to apartment buildings. Ukraine's military intercepted only some of the incoming missiles, and President Zelensky has renewed urgent calls for additional air defence support from allies. In response, Ukraine reported striking four targets in Russian regions and attacking an oil tanker in the Black Sea.
- At least 15 killed in Russian strikes targeting Ukraine's homes and energy infrastructure.
- Zelensky calls strikes "most vile", 70 missiles fired; Ukraine retaliates against Russian targets.
- Ukraine urgently needs more air defence as military intercepts only some incoming missiles.
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Russia and Ukraine have been locked in a large-scale military conflict since Russia's invasion in February 2022. The war has involved intense fighting, with both sides conducting repeated attacks on targets they identify as military or strategic. Ukraine has received support from Western countries, including military aid and diplomatic backing, whilst Russia continues its military campaign to take territory and wear down Ukrainian resistance.
Russia has conducted a sustained campaign to target Ukraine's energy infrastructure, destroying power plants, substations and supply lines across the country. These attacks have had severe consequences for civilians, cutting power to homes and hospitals during winter months and disrupting water and heating services. The strikes typically use missiles and drones fired from a distance, making them difficult for Ukraine to fully defend against.
Ukraine's government has called repeatedly on its Western allies for more advanced air defence systems to intercept incoming attacks. The country retaliates with its own strikes on Russian military and infrastructure targets, including facilities in Russian territory. The conflict remains unresolved, with both sides continuing military operations as diplomatic efforts continue at various international forums.
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Originally published by BBC World as “Zelensky condemns ‘vile’ large-scale Russian attacks that killed 15”.