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 claims regions across the country were targeted as part of a 'deliberate strategy' to 'intimidate civilians and destroy our infrastructure', with reports of one direct missile hit on a residential building.
According to Ukraine's air force, Moscow launched 619 drones and missiles during the assault. Conversely, Russia's defense ministry states that its 'massive strike' aimed at military-industrial facilities using 'precision weapons'.
In a related incident, Russia reported four casualties from a Ukrainian drone strike in its Saratov region, claiming significant damage to an oil refinery.
Ukraine also noted that another Russian oil facility was harmed in the nearby Samara region. Verification of these claims remains unconfirmed independently from both sides.
Cross-border drone operations have become increasingly common throughout the war. Notably, a sustained Ukrainian drone attack in July led to a temporary closure of all airports in Moscow.
Ukrainian forces have been systematically targeting key Russian oil and industrial sites that are crucial to the ongoing war efforts. Meanwhile, Russia has heightened its aerial aggression against Ukraine, coinciding with international calls for a ceasefire from Kyiv and its Western allies.
Earlier in September, Ukraine's capital Kyiv witnessed a direct strike on a major government building attributed to Russian Iskander cruise missiles.
Looking ahead, Zelensky has announced plans to meet US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The latest escalation follows reports of Russian aircraft breaching Estonian airspace, which led to urgent NATO consultations.
As tensions rise, the geopolitical landscape remains fragile, with both Poland and Romania recently reporting incursions by Russian drones into their airspace.
