Russia unleashed a “massive” overnight attack on Ukraine’s southern and central regions, killing one person and injuring at least 28 others, Ukrainian officials confirmed on Saturday. The strikes came as Kyiv carried out retaliatory drone attacks on Russian oil refineries.
In Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region, a woman was killed and three children were among the 28 wounded, according to local authorities. Emergency services rushed to extinguish fires in the area as explosions echoed across the central-eastern regions of Dnipro and Pavlohrad. Railway infrastructure near Kyiv was also damaged.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Moscow launched more than 500 drones and 45 missiles, targeting 14 regions across the country. The strikes follow Thursday’s assault, the second largest aerial attack of the war to date, which killed at least 23 people.
In Dnipropetrovsk, Governor Serhiy Lysak warned residents to remain in shelters as the region endured its second consecutive night of heavy bombardment. “The region is under massive attack,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ukraine struck back, targeting Russia’s Krasnodar and Syzran oil refineries, which produce a combined three million tons annually. Kyiv’s military reported “numerous explosions and fires” at the facilities. Russian officials in Krasnodar confirmed a drone strike damaged one processing unit and sparked a fire, though no casualties were reported.
The Russian defence ministry claimed it intercepted 20 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 18 over occupied Crimea.
The escalation comes as diplomatic efforts, led by the United States and European allies, continue to seek a path toward ending the nearly three-year conflict. However, little progress has been made.
Zelensky, condemning Moscow’s actions, said the attacks highlighted Russia’s “disregard for words,” urging stronger international sanctions. “We expect action from the U.S., Europe, and the entire world,” he said.
In a significant move, Washington announced approval for the potential sale of air-launched cruise missiles to Ukraine. The weapons are expected to bolster Kyiv’s air defence capabilities, particularly against Russia’s ongoing missile barrages.
As both sides intensify strikes on civilian and energy infrastructure, the war shows no signs of abating, with civilians bearing the heaviest toll.
