On the night of April 16, Russia carried out a large-scale combined attack against Ukraine. Over the past 24 hours, it launched more than 700 aerial targets. As a result, civilians were killed in at least four regions.
Details
Kyiv
Russia attacked the capital with ballistic missiles and drones. According to emergency services, four people were killed, including a child. Meanwhile, the Kyiv police reported 56 injured, among them two minors aged 9 and 16.
By 9:30 a.m., firefighters had extinguished all fires. However, rescue teams continue to clear debris at two locations.
The attack damaged residential buildings and civilian infrastructure. In addition, a strike destroyed an ambulance that had arrived to assist victims. Medics and the driver suffered moderate injuries and were hospitalized. The shelling also damaged medical equipment.
Odesa
Russian forces struck Odesa with missiles and drones. By 9:56 a.m., regional authorities confirmed nine deaths and 23 injured.
The attack damaged port facilities, critical infrastructure, and residential areas. Three apartment buildings suffered facade and window destruction. A dormitory and nearby buildings were also hit. Emergency services are still dealing with fires and other consequences.
Dnipro
Russia targeted the city of Dnipro and the surrounding region using drones, artillery, and missiles. Three people were killed. As of 9:30 a.m., authorities reported 34 injured, including a minor girl.
In Dnipro, the attack damaged homes, a business, cars, and administrative buildings. Across the region, private houses and apartment buildings were also affected. Fires broke out after the strikes.
Zaporizhzhia
Russian forces launched five missiles at Zaporizhzhia, killing one woman. They also carried out airstrikes and used drones, multiple launch rocket systems, and artillery across the region.
Over 24 hours, Russia launched 711 strikes on 35 settlements in the Zaporizhzhia region. Authorities received 114 reports of damage to infrastructure, housing, and vehicles.
Ukrainian Air Force report
Ukraine’s Air Force reported that it shot down or suppressed 667 Russian aerial targets within 24 hours, from 07:00 on April 15 to 07:00 on April 16. These included 31 missiles and 636 drones.
In total, Russia launched 703 targets:
- 19 Iskander-M/S-400 ballistic missiles
- 20 Kh-101 cruise missiles
- 5 Iskander-K cruise missiles
- 659 drones, including Shahed, Gerbera, Italmas, and other types
Ukraine’s aviation, air defense units, electronic warfare forces, drone units, and mobile fire groups repelled the attack.
However, strikes still hit 26 locations, including 12 missiles and 20 attack drones. Debris from intercepted targets fell in 25 locations. Moreover, the attack continues, as drones remain in Ukrainian airspace.
Zelenskyy’s response
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Russia does not deserve any easing of global pressure or sanctions relief. He also emphasized that Ukraine urgently needs more support from its partners. According to him, some political commitments remain unfulfilled, particularly within the Ramstein format and bilateral agreements.
“I have instructed the Commander of the Air Forces to contact those partners who earlier committed to providing missiles for Patriot and other systems”, – Zelenskyy wrote.
He also thanked Germany, Norway, and Italy for their support of Ukraine’s air defense. In addition, he noted ongoing cooperation with the Netherlands on further supplies.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that Ukraine faces a critical shortage of Patriot missiles amid rising global tensions. At the same time, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance confirmed a shift in Washington’s approach to military aid for Ukraine.
