Kyiv, Ukraine, 7 October, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Russia launched one of its largest recent aerial assaults against Ukraine on Wednesday, with missiles and drones striking Kyiv and several other regions and killing at least 11 people, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Ukraine attack renewed pressure on Kyiv’s Western partners to strengthen the country’s air defences as Russia continues long-range strikes against cities and critical infrastructure.
Russian missiles and drones strike across Ukraine
Ukraine’s Air Force reported a large combined overnight assault involving 130 drones and dozens of missiles of different types.
Initial military reporting said Ukrainian forces neutralised 161 aerial targets, including 117 drones, 39 cruise missiles and five ballistic, anti-ship or other high-speed missiles. Strikes were recorded at 18 locations, while debris from intercepted weapons fell at another five locations.
Kyiv, Kharkiv, Poltava and Dnipropetrovsk were among the principal regions targeted, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.
The death toll rose during Wednesday as emergency crews responded to damaged buildings and other strike sites. Reuters reported that Zelenskyy said at least 11 people had been killed nationwide.
Earlier reports had confirmed eight deaths, including two in Kyiv, two in the Poltava region and four in Pryluky in the Chernihiv region. A five-storey residential building in Pryluky was hit, leaving four people dead and around 20 injured, according to Ukrainian authorities cited by Reuters.
Moscow confirms large-scale Russian strikes
Russia’s Defence Ministry confirmed carrying out what it described as a “massive” strike using high-precision weapons and attack drones.
Moscow said military-industrial facilities were among its targets and identified sites associated with Ukrainian defence manufacturer Fire Point. It also said port and ship-repair infrastructure in the Odesa region had been targeted. Russia’s specific claims about the military use of individual sites have not been independently verified.
The Ukraine attack also hit energy infrastructure, according to Zelenskyy, adding to concerns about the resilience of the country’s electricity and heating systems as colder weather approaches.
Zelenskyy had warned of massive Russian strike
The bombardment came less than a day after Zelenskyy publicly warned that Ukrainian intelligence had detected preparations for another major Russian attack.
“We’ve got updated intel on Russia’s preparations for a massive strike,” the Ukrainian president said on Tuesday evening, urging people to respond to missile warnings.
Zelenskyy also stressed that Ukraine’s ability to counter large-scale attacks remained dependent on assistance from international partners, particularly countries capable of supplying advanced air-defence equipment.
His government has been pushing to expand electronic warfare capabilities that can disrupt Russian attack drones. Following a military command meeting on 6 October, Zelenskyy said Ukraine was scaling up approaches that had proved effective against Shahed-type drones.
Air defence shortage raises wider European concerns
The latest bombardment again highlights Ukraine’s need for interceptor missiles and systems capable of countering ballistic weapons.
Kyiv has repeatedly appealed to European countries and the United States for additional air-defence support. Germany recently announced additional military and energy assistance during Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit to Kyiv, with agreements covering air defence, radar equipment and drone interceptors.
For European governments, the continuing attacks also raise questions about the sustainability of Ukraine’s defences as Russia deploys increasingly complex combinations of drones, cruise missiles and ballistic weapons.
What happens next after the Ukraine attack?
Ukrainian emergency services are continuing to assess damage and respond at affected sites, while the final casualty toll could change as recovery operations progress.
Kyiv is expected to continue pressing its European and US partners for additional air-defence systems and interceptor missiles. Ukraine is simultaneously expanding domestic electronic warfare and long-range strike capabilities.
The immediate focus remains on rescue operations, restoring damaged infrastructure and strengthening protection against further Russian strikes. Zelenskyy’s warning before Wednesday’s assault also underscores the continuing risk of further large-scale attacks as the war moves deeper into the autumn.
