Russian Strikes Target Ukrainian Infrastructure Across Multiple Regions
Russia launched a prolonged missile and drone assault against Kyiv and several other Ukrainian cities on Thursday, striking ports, warehouses, industrial sites, energy facilities and retail distribution centres, according to Ukrainian officials.
Ukraine’s military said the barrage included 258 drones and an unspecified number of ballistic missiles. It reported shooting down seven ballistic missiles, an improved interception rate that followed the arrival of a limited number of American made Patriot interceptors. Patriot systems can counter fast ballistic weapons, but Ukraine says shortages continue to leave major population and infrastructure centres exposed.
In Kyiv, air raid sirens continued into the afternoon as defence systems engaged incoming drones. Falling debris wounded four people. In Kharkiv, a strike on a shopping centre killed one person and injured two, regional authorities said. Attacks also damaged or destroyed distribution facilities linked to Ukrainian retailers, a toy company and chocolate producer Roshen.
Officials reported additional strikes in the Poltava and Odesa regions, Kryvyi Rih and Zaporizhzhia. Rail services were delayed across several areas. Russia’s Defence Ministry said its forces targeted steelworks, an oil refinery, logistics centres and three ports.
Russia also reported Ukrainian drone activity. Online retailer Ozon temporarily closed a logistics complex in Ufa after an attack. Ukraine says it has targeted Russian ecommerce companies because they support infrastructure connected to Moscow’s war effort.
Britain, meanwhile, pledged to provide classified technology that would help Ukraine produce Storm Shadow cruise missiles domestically. Moscow warned it could respond by striking British military targets inside or outside Ukraine if British weapons were used against Russian territory.
The conflict also affected neighbouring Moldova, where authorities said six Russian drones entered national airspace. One drone was found on Moldovan territory, prompting President Maia Sandu to condemn the incident as intimidation. The developments highlighted continued pressure on civilians and infrastructure across the region.