Russia slams Kyiv in mass missile, drone attack on Putin's 74th birthday

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Russia Strikes Ukraine in Mass Missile and Drone Attack

   Russia launched a massive overnight wave of missiles, ballistic strikes, and drones against Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, coinciding with Russian President Vladimir Putin's 74th birthday. The barrage damaged Kyiv's Northern Bridge and struck infrastructure while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was visiting the capital. Ukrainian officials accused Moscow of delivering a birthday gift of war crimes after a strike completely destroyed an apartment building in Pryluky, resulting in a soaring death toll across the country.

   Why it matters

   The aerial assault marks a severe escalation in Moscow's strategy against urban centers and vital transport arteries, specifically targeting Kyiv's bridges to sever critical lifelines. The timing of the attack during a high-profile diplomatic visit by the German chancellor underscores ongoing tensions as international partners supply defensive hardware. Chernihiv Oblast Governor Viacheslav Chaus publicly expressed hope that the Russian dictator will end up in custody in The Hague or in hell.

   What is confirmed

   • Explosions rocked Kyiv overnight on Oct. 7 as Moscow launched a mass missile and drone attack coinciding with Russian President Vladimir Putin's 74th birthday.
   • Russian attacks damaged Kyiv's Northern Bridge.
   • A Russian drone slammed into a bridge in Kyiv during a visit by Germany's chancellor.
   • Chernihiv Oblast Governor Viacheslav Chaus stated on Putin's birthday that he hopes the Russian dictator ends up in custody in The Hague or in hell.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Total casualties from the overnight attacks have reached at least 26 dead, including five children, with varying figures reported across different regional updates.
   • A Russian strike on a five-story apartment building in Pryluky killed between nine and 15 people, including several children.

   What to watch next

   • Assessments of structural damage to Kyiv's Northern Bridge and repair timelines for the targeted lifeline
   • Official final casualty figures from regional authorities regarding the Pryluky apartment building strike
   • Diplomatic responses from European leaders following the attack during the German chancellor's visit
   Sources used for this update (15)

   1. The New York Times — Russia Turns to Striking Kyiv’s Bridges, Threatening a Vital Lifeline
   2. AP News — Russian attacks kill 6 in Ukraine and damage Kyiv’s Northern Bridge
   3. CNN — Russian drone slams into bridge in Kyiv as Germany’s chancellor visits
   4. kyivindependent.com — Russia slams Kyiv in mass missile, drone attack on Putin's 74th birthday
   5. The Kyiv Independent — Russia slams Kyiv in mass missile, drone attack on Putin's 74th birthday
   6. Kyiv Post — Strong Explosions Rock Kyiv as Russia Launches Ballistic Missile Attack
   7. U.S. News & World Report — Russia Strikes Ukraine's Kyiv in Fresh Wave of Attacks
   8. www.theguardian.com — Ukraine says Russia bombed apartment block as birthday gift ...
   9. kyivindependent.com — Ukraine war latest: Russian attack on Pryluky kills at least 20, including 5 children
   10. www.yahoo.com — Russia slams Ukraine with missiles, drones on Putin's 74th ...
   11. www.europesays.com — Russia slams Kyiv in mass missile, drone attack on Putin’s ...
   12. www.kyivpost.com — Putin’s Birthday Barrage Kills at Least 20 Across Ukraine
   confidence 95%