On Wednesday night, Russia launched 629 missiles and drones against dozens of targets across Ukraine, striking heavily populated cities such as Kyiv and Odesa. Video footage on social media shows one apartment building in Kyiv being hit twice in succession, killing 18 civilians, including four children. These strikes marked the second-largest barrage since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, but with a notable shift in focus.

At least a dozen people in Kyiv are dead following one of the largest aerial attacks by Russia amid its 3 1/2-year war against Ukraine.

Ukraine's air force said Thursday that Russia fired 629 drones and missiles overnight – the second highest figure of the entire war. 'Russia chooses ballistics instead of the…