Russian strikes hit multiple Ukrainian cities

April 16, 2026 / 8:08 PM

Sharjah 24 – AFP: Extensive Russian drone and missile attacks have caused buildings to collapse across Ukraine, resulting in significant civilian casualties in several regions, including Kyiv and Dnipropetrovsk, amid continued escalation and stalled peace efforts between Moscow and Kyiv.

Deaths and injuries reported across Ukraine

Ukrainian authorities said at least 19 people were killed and more than 100 injured over a 24-hour period. The strikes hit residential areas around midnight, with AFP reporters in Kyiv hearing explosions and seeing smoke rising over the city at dawn.

Damage and casualties in Kyiv and Dnipropetrovsk

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said four people were killed in the capital, including a 12-year-old boy, and 62 others were wounded, including medical workers responding to the initial strikes. In the Dnipropetrovsk region, five people were killed and 33 injured, according to regional officials.

President Zelensky condemns attacks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the strikes as a “very difficult night” for the country and said they showed Russia should not receive easing of sanctions or international pressure. European Council President Antonio Costa also condemned the attacks, accusing Russia of deliberately targeting civilians.

Scale of attack and military claims

Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 659 drones and 44 missiles in the overnight assault, while Moscow said it targeted Ukrainian military and energy infrastructure. Russia denied targeting civilians, despite widespread damage to residential and public facilities.

Continued escalation amid stalled peace talks

The war, which began in 2022, has left hundreds of thousands dead and millions displaced. Peace negotiations remain stalled, with both sides continuing long-range strikes, including Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory and reported drone interceptions by Russian forces.