Russia launched its most severe aerial assault of the year on Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of 16 people, including a 12-year-old child. The attack involved nearly 700 drones and 19 ballistic missiles, hitting multiple Ukrainian cities and causing significant damage, especially in Kyiv, Odesa, and Dnipro. Ukrainian officials reported casualties and destruction of residential buildings, with energy infrastructure in southeastern cities like Mykolaiv and Kherson also targeted, leaving many without power.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, emphasizing that Russia should not benefit from sanctions relief and calling for increased international pressure. The U.S. also confirmed that its sanctions waiver on Russian oil expired, indicating a tougher stance on Moscow’s economic activities. Ukrainian forces openly claimed to have intercepted hundreds of Russian drones and missiles, highlighting ongoing intense air combat as Kyiv prepares for escalating conflict.