Russia bombards 9 Ukrainian cities overnight, calling the strikes ‘massive’
Russia conducted a massive overnight bombardment of nine Ukrainian cities using missiles and drones, with attacks extending into Thursday daylight hours. The onslaught targeted Kyiv and other regions, resulting in explosions across the capital. Ukraine's Air Defense Forces reported neutralizing 222 drones, seven ballistic missiles, three Banderol missiles, and Oniks missiles. While Russia described the operation as massive, Ukrainian forces intercepted a significant portion of the incoming wave. The air war has reportedly entered a deadlier phase as both sides employ advanced weaponry.
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- ✓ Russia launched a massive overnight strike on nine Ukrainian cities.
- ✓ Explosions were reported in Kyiv during the Russian missile and drone onslaught.
- ✓ Ukraine's Air Defense Forces neutralized 222 drones, seven ballistic missiles, three Banderol missiles, and Oniks missiles.
- ✓ The strikes began overnight and continued into the daylight hours of Thursday.
What changed
Russia executed a massive overnight strike on nine cities including Kyiv using ballistic missiles and drones.
Live updates
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Russia Launches Massive Overnight Strikes on Nine Ukrainian Cities
Russia conducted a massive overnight bombardment of nine Ukrainian cities using missiles and drones, with attacks extending into Thursday daylight hours. The onslaught targeted Kyiv and other regions, resulting in explosions across the capital. Ukraine's Air Defense Forces reported neutralizing 222 drones, seven ballistic missiles, three Banderol missiles, and Oniks missiles. While Russia described the operation as massive, Ukrainian forces intercepted a significant portion of the incoming wave. The air war has reportedly entered a deadlier phase as both sides employ advanced weaponry.
Why it matters
The escalation follows a pattern of long-range Russian strikes targeting urban infrastructure and governance centers. This specific wave coincides with a broader shift in the air war's intensity. Ongoing drone warfare remains a key component of the conflict, with Ukraine also resuming drone attacks on Moscow.
What is confirmed
- Russia launched a massive overnight strike on nine Ukrainian cities.
- Explosions were reported in Kyiv during the Russian missile and drone onslaught.
- Ukraine's Air Defense Forces neutralized 222 drones, seven ballistic missiles, three Banderol missiles, and Oniks missiles.
- The strikes began overnight and continued into the daylight hours of Thursday.
Still unconfirmed
- The Russia-Ukraine air war has entered a new, deadlier phase.
- A Russian jet-powered drone headed toward the Kyiv city center.
What to watch next
- Official casualty figures and damage assessments from the nine targeted cities.
- Russian military confirmation of the specific targets and objectives of the massive strike.
- Further Ukrainian drone responses targeting Russian territory.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (20)
- Institute for the Study of War — Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 20, 2026
- www.pressdemocrat.com — World News
- ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow resume hours after CIA director's visit, mayor says
- www.sun-sentinel.com — World News
- WSJ — The Russia-Ukraine Air War Has Entered a New, Deadlier Phase
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — Iran warns of military ship ban in Hormuz under potential deal with Oman
- The Kyiv Independent — Explosions rock Kyiv as Russia launches ballistic missiles at the capital and other regions across Ukraine
- Reuters — Explosions heard in Ukraine's Kyiv, Reuters witness says
- AP News — Russia says it launched a ‘massive’ overnight strike on 9 Ukrainian cities
- Ukrinform — ADF neutralizes seven ballistic missiles, Oniks, three Banderol missiles and 222 drones
- The Guardian — Ukraine war briefing: Missiles shot down during long Russian attack wave
- Kyiv Post — Explosions Heard in Kyiv as Russian Jet-Powered Drone Heads Toward City Center
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