Russian Strikes Across Ukraine Kill At Least 9, Injure Over 50 After Zelenskyy's US Visit

At least nine people, including children, were killed and more than 50 others injured after Russia launched one of its biggest missile and drone attacks across Ukraine overnight into Thursday. The nationwide assault came a day after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy returned from Washington, where he met US President Donald Trump, sought faster deliveries of Patriot air defence systems and interceptor missiles, and pushed for deeper defence cooperation.

The deadliest strike hit Radushne, near Kryvyi Rih, where a Russian Iskander ballistic missile destroyed the home of the Voronov family. Zelenskyy said parents Olena and Artem and three of their seven children were killed, while the fate of several other relatives, including the 18 month old son of their eldest child, who is serving in Ukraine's military, was still being determined. Calling it "a horrific crime", Zelenskyy said, "Reality speaks for itself. Protecting lives is necessary. Air defence missiles are necessary."

In Lviv, about 30 people were injured after missiles damaged more than 20 apartment buildings, a school and two kindergartens. In Kyiv, a ballistic missile killed a 31 year old man, while more than 56,000 people sheltered in metro stations. Residential buildings, markets, warehouses, garages and vehicles were also damaged.

Ukraine said Russia launched 74 missiles and 284 drones, intercepting 55 missiles and 265 drones, but only one of nine ballistic missiles, highlighting a critical shortage of Patriot interceptors. Russia said it targeted drone factories, defence industries, missile facilities and cargo ships allegedly carrying military supplies, claims Ukraine has not independently verified.

A suspected Kh-101 cruise missile briefly entered Polish airspace, prompting Poland to scramble fighter jets and say it was prepared to shoot the missile down if necessary. NATO pledged to take all necessary measures to defend Allied territory. Meanwhile, Ukraine said it struck Russian logistics and economic targets with drones as fighting intensified during Russia's near weekly summer air campaign.