Russia launched a large-scale overnight drone and missile attack on Ukraine early Monday, killing at least two people and injuring 15, according to Ukrainian officials. The strikes caused fires and widespread damage in several cities, including the capital Kyiv.
Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia fired 426 drones and 24 missiles during the assault. At least 23 drones hit targets across the country, damaging residential buildings, shops, and a kindergarten.
“Russia’s attacks are always against humanity: a kindergarten, residential buildings, and other civilian infrastructure burned in Kyiv,” President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on Telegram.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said rescue workers were deployed to four districts of the city. Many residents took shelter in underground stations as explosions lit up the night sky.
In Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, multiple explosions were reported, but local officials have not yet detailed the damage.
Ukraine Responds with Drone Attacks on Moscow
At the same time, Ukraine launched its own drone attacks on Moscow, causing major disruptions at the city’s airports. Russian media showed videos of travelers sleeping on the floors of Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovskiy airports after flights were cancelled or delayed.
Russia’s defence ministry said it shot down 117 drones overnight, including 30 in the Moscow region. Extra trains were provided to help stranded passengers return to the capital from other cities.
French Foreign Minister Visits Kyiv
The attacks came just hours before French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot arrived in Kyiv for a two-day visit to support Ukraine.
Barrot emphasized the need for stronger measures against Russia. “The massive package of sanctions we adopted at the European level last Thursday is welcome. It increases pressure on Vladimir Putin and raises the cost of this unbelievable war,” he said.
Last week, the European Union approved new sanctions against Russia, including lowering the price cap on Russian oil exports.
Barrot is also scheduled to visit the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. In February, a Russian drone allegedly struck the plant’s radiation cover, though no radiation was released. France is helping to repair the site as part of its aid to Ukraine.
