A deadly overnight assault leaves cities battered and civilians killed.
At least 16 people have been killed and more than 100 injured after Russia launched a large-scale drone and missile attack on Ukraine, according to Ukrainian officials.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said nearly 700 drones, alongside ballistic and cruise missiles, were fired in the overnight assault. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted most of the drones, but some strikes still hit residential areas.
Fatalities were reported in Odesa, Kyiv, and Dnipro. Among the victims was a 12-year-old boy. Several buildings were damaged as missiles and drones penetrated defenses.
Zelenskyy condemned the attack, accusing Russia of deliberately targeting civilians. He called for stronger international pressure and warned against easing sanctions on Moscow.
European leaders also reacted strongly. Antonio Costa said the strikes showed a continued pattern of attacks on civilian areas and reaffirmed support for Ukraine.
Russia, meanwhile, claimed it intercepted over 200 Ukrainian drones in retaliatory strikes, with reports of damage in coastal regions along the Black Sea.
The escalation highlights the ongoing intensity of the conflict, with both sides continuing aerial assaults.
The latest attacks underline the urgent need for a lasting resolution as the war shows no sign of slowing.