Russian forces launched a large-scale missile and drone assault on multiple Ukrainian cities overnight Wednesday into Thursday, targeting military and infrastructure sites while causing damage to civilian areas. The strikes extended into daylight hours, with explosions reported across Kyiv.

The Russian Defense Ministry characterized the operation as a “massive” attack against nine Ukrainian cities, focusing on military-related objectives such as oil refineries and port facilities. Despite the ministry’s claims, apartment buildings and other civilian structures sustained damage during the bombardment.

Ukraine faces a significant shortfall in US-supplied Patriot air defense missiles, which are designed to intercept ballistic threats. The introduction of Russian jet-powered drones into the conflict has added complexity to Ukraine's air defense challenges since the invasion began nearly four years ago.

The escalation has raised concerns among Russia’s neighbors in Eastern Europe about the possibility of the conflict spreading beyond Ukraine’s borders. Moldova's Ministry of Defense reported that five drones crossed into its airspace overnight but did not identify their origin. The incursion heightened regional anxieties about the impact of the ongoing conflict.