Zelenskyy: Russia attack that killed 14 is birthday 'gift' to Putin
A massive wave of Russian missile and drone strikes across Ukraine killed at least 20 people, including multiple children, in attacks that hit residential areas and a commuter bus. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced a deadly cruise missile strike on a five-story apartment building in Pryluky as one of the most vile actions by Moscow's army, describing the bloodshed as a birthday gift to Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of his 74th birthday. Kyiv residents spent the night sheltering in subway stations as air defenses intercepted dozens of incoming weapons.
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- ✓ At least 20 people were killed in Russian strikes across Ukraine.
- ✓ Volodymyr Zelenskyy said a strike on an apartment building in Pryluky that killed four children was a birthday gift to Putin.
- ✓ Ukraine's Air Force reported that air defenses destroyed five ballistic missiles, 39 cruise missiles, and 117 drones.
What changed
A massive combined missile and drone assault struck multiple Ukrainian regions, killing at least 20 people and destroying residential apartment infrastructure.
Live updates
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Russian Strikes Kill Dozens Across Ukraine
A massive wave of Russian missile and drone strikes across Ukraine killed at least 20 people, including multiple children, in attacks that hit residential areas and a commuter bus. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced a deadly cruise missile strike on a five-story apartment building in Pryluky as one of the most vile actions by Moscow's army, describing the bloodshed as a birthday gift to Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of his 74th birthday. Kyiv residents spent the night sheltering in subway stations as air defenses intercepted dozens of incoming weapons.
Why it matters
The assault forms part of a broader Russian military campaign aimed at making Ukrainian cities unlivable through escalating attacks on civilian centers. Pryluky sits roughly 200 miles away from active combat zones, highlighting the extended reach of Russian missile strikes hitting residential blocks far from the front lines. Ukrainian officials reiterated urgent demands for additional air defense systems to protect urban populations from ongoing aerial bombardments.
What is confirmed
- At least 20 people were killed in Russian strikes across Ukraine.
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy said a strike on an apartment building in Pryluky that killed four children was a birthday gift to Putin.
- Ukraine's Air Force reported that air defenses destroyed five ballistic missiles, 39 cruise missiles, and 117 drones.
Still unconfirmed
- At least 30 people were killed when a Russian guided bomb struck a commuter bus in Kramatorsk.
What to watch next
- Further casualty updates from regional officials
- Official announcements regarding air defense reinforcements
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (17)
- Reuters — Russia strikes Ukraine's Kyiv in fresh wave of attacks
- Al Jazeera — At least two killed in Kyiv as Russia launches ‘massive’ attack on Ukraine
- Euronews.com — Zelenskyy: Russia attack that killed 14 is birthday 'gift' to Putin
- ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — Russia hits Ukrainian apartment buildings in deadly overnight strike, Zelenskyy says
- BBC — Ukraine: At least 15 dead after large-scale Russian strikes
- NBC News — Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities kill at least 21 in a major attack that Kyiv saw coming
- Sky News — Ukraine war latest: 'One of most vile' Russian attacks was 'gift' for Putin's birthday
- ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation — 'Birthday gift to Putin': At least 20 killed in Russian strikes on Ukraine
- www.abc.net.au — Russia pounds Ukraine in deadly strikes killing at least 20, including four children - ABC News
- www.theguardian.com — Ukraine says Russia bombed apartment block as birthday gift ...
- www.kyivpost.com — Putin’s Birthday Barrage Kills at Least 20 Across Ukraine
- www.sanjuandailystar.com — Escalating assaults on Ukrainian cities are producing an enormous toll - The San Juan Daily Star
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