Kyiv. Russia launched 70 missiles and 611 drones across Ukraine overnight in one of the largest aerial assaults of the war, Ukrainian authorities said on Monday, as attacks killed civilians, damaged critical infrastructure and set part of a historic monastery complex in Kyiv ablaze.
According to Ukraine's Air Force, air defence systems intercepted 50 of the 70 missiles and 582 of the 611 drones launched by Russian forces during the overnight barrage. Despite the interceptions, dozens of projectiles reached their targets, causing destruction in several regions.
The attacks struck Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Sumy and other cities, leaving at least nine people dead and dozens injured, according to Ukrainian officials. The bombardment also damaged residential buildings, power facilities and cultural landmarks.
One of the most significant incidents occurred at the UNESCO-listed Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery, where a fire broke out at the historic Dormition Cathedral following the strikes. Ukrainian officials condemned the attack, describing it as an assault on both civilians and cultural heritage.
In Kharkiv, five emergency workers were killed after a second wave of strikes hit rescuers responding to an earlier attack. Ukrainian authorities said the incident appeared to be a "double-tap" strike, a tactic in which a second attack targets first responders.
