In brief
Ukraine has confirmed the death of three people and over 30 injuries following a significant aerial attack by Russia. President Zelensky labeled the strike a deliberate tactic of intimidation against civilians and infrastructure. The assault involved the launch of over 600 drones and missiles, targeting multiple regions across Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia claims its own casualties from a Ukrainian drone attack on its territory. As both sides engage in increasing hostilities, diplomatic discussions continue amid a backdrop of intensified military operations.
At least three people have been killed and more than 30 injured in a massive overnight Russian aerial attack on Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky says.
He states that regions across the country were targeted as part of a deliberate strategy to intimidate civilians and destroy our infrastructure, with one direct missile hit reported on a residential building.
Ukraine's air force reported that Moscow launched 619 drones and missiles. Russia's defense ministry claimed its massive strike utilized precision weapons directed at military-industrial facilities.
In a separate incident, Russia reported that four people were killed in a Ukrainian drone attack on the Saratov region, which Kyiv states hit a major oil refinery there.
Ukraine also claims another Russian oil refinery was damaged in the Samara region. The BBC has yet to independently verify the claims from both conflicting parties.
Cross-border drone raids have increasingly become a prominent feature of the ongoing war. In July, a sustained Ukrainian drone attack compelled the temporary closure of all of Moscow's airports.
Kyiv has consistently targeted Russian oil and other pivotal industrial facilities essential for maintaining Russia's war efforts in Ukraine.
In recent weeks, Moscow has intensified its aerial assaults on Ukraine as Kyiv and its Western allies persist in calling for a ceasefire.
Earlier this month, the primary government building in Ukraine's capital Kyiv was struck by a missile that Ukraine claims was a Russian Iskander cruise missile.
Zelensky announced plans to meet with US President Donald Trump at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Trump previously hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, discussing potential agreements to resolve the conflict, without reaching any conclusions.
Putin initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
This latest aerial attack from Russia follows Estonia's request for urgent consultations with NATO countries about Russian jets violating its airspace, a claim denied by Moscow.
Tensions have been rising as Poland and Romania, both NATO members, have reported Russian drones breaching their airspace earlier this month.
