Russia launches 26 missiles and 597 drones at Ukraine, Zelenskyy reports

Russia launched 26 missiles and 597 drones at Ukraine overnight, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on X.

\"Russia's strikes extended from the Kharkiv and Sumy regions to the Lviv region and Bukovyna,\" Zelenskyy reported.

The western regions of the country were hit hardest, with Lviv, Lutsk, and Chernivtsi bearing the brunt of the attacks, according to Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha.

According to Ukraine's Air Force, 319 drones and 25 missiles were shot down. Another 258 decoy drones were lost, local media reported.

At least two people were killed by fallen debris in Chernivtsi, and at least 14 others were injured, including four who are in critical condition.

The attack sparked fires across the city, and damaged several administrative and residential buildings.

Meanwhile, Lviv experienced its most severe strike since the beginning of Russia's invasion, the city's mayor Andriy Sadovyi said. Several buildings, including residential units, cars and a kindergarten were damaged.

He added that one man was hospitalised and several people required medical treatment, including an 11-year-old boy.

The latest attack comes as Russia has significantly intensified its all-out war on Ukraine, launching a record number of drones and missiles in recent weeks.

Zelenskyy reminded the \"war can only be stopped through strength\" and urged Western allies to impose additional sanctions.

\"The pace of Russia’s aerial strikes demands swift decisions – and it can be curbed through sanctions right now,\" he said.

\"More air defense systems are needed, along with investments in interceptor drones, which are already delivering good results.\"

It comes as European leaders announced a new equity fund and public-private partnerships in a push for investment in rebuilding Ukraine at the annual recovery conference on Ukraine on Thursday.

According to the source: Euronews.com.