Russia launched a massive overnight attack on Ukraine using drones and missiles, killing four and injuring dozens, targeting civilian areas and critical infrastructure, Zelenskyy said
Ukraine Rocked as Russia Launches One of Its Biggest Air Attacks (Source: X)
Russia carried out one of its biggest overnight air assaults on Ukraine, firing hundreds of drones and missiles and causing heavy damage and loss of life. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at least four people were killed and dozens were injured as the strikes hit Kyiv and several other regions.
The attack included 242 drones, 13 ballistic missiles, one Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile, and 22 cruise missiles. Many of the weapons were aimed at energy facilities and civilian areas, worsening the situation as Ukraine faces extreme winter cold.
In a post on X, Zelenskyy said the capital city Kyiv suffered serious damage. At least four people were killed in the city, including a member of an ambulance crew who was helping others.
"In Kyiv and the region, the aftermath of the massive Russian strike is still being dealt with. All necessary services are deployed. Twenty residential buildings alone were damaged," He added that recovery work is also underway in Lviv and other regions.
In Kyiv and the region, the aftermath of the massive Russian strike is still being dealt with. All necessary services are deployed. Twenty residential buildings alone were damaged. Recovery operations after the strikes also continue in the Lviv region and other regions of our… pic.twitter.com/AMkwfKHOkC
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 9, 2026
Zelenskyy revealed that Russia carried out a second attack on a residential building while emergency teams were still helping victims from the first strike.
"Unfortunately, as of now, it is known that four people have been killed in the capital alone. Among them is an ambulance crew member. My condolences to their families and loved ones. Dozens of people were injured. There was also a second strike on one of the residential buildings - precisely at the moment when first responders were providing assistance after the first strike,"
This raised concerns that rescue workers and civilians were deliberately targeted.
The Ukrainian president said the strikes were carried out during a period of intense cold, making it harder for people to survive without electricity and heating.
"The attack took place exactly when there was a significant cold spell. Aimed precisely against the normal life of ordinary people. Right now, everything possible is being done to restore heating and electricity supply for the people,"
He also announced that Ukraine’s Energy Staff would meet to decide repair timelines, equipment needs, and responsibility for restoring services.
Zelenskyy said that a drone strike damaged the Embassy of Qatar in Ukraine. He noted that Qatar has been an important mediator in helping to free prisoners of war and civilians.
The Ukrainian leader urged the international community to respond strongly, especially the United States. "A clear reaction from the world is needed. Above all from the United States, whose signals Russia truly pays attention to,"
He warned that Russia must face consequences whenever it chooses violence over diplomacy. Russia must face consequences every time it chooses "killings and the destruction of infrastructure" over diplomacy.
Zelenskyy said the attack was another reminder that Ukraine urgently needs stronger air defenses.
He said this must include faster deliveries, increased production, and stronger international agreements. Ukraine will also brief its allies about what support is now required. "Today, we will inform our partners at all levels about what has happened and what response measures we need,"
As the war continues into its fourth year, Ukraine remains under heavy pressure, with civilians and energy systems once again bearing the brunt of the violence.
