Russian missiles and drones injure more than two dozen people across Ukraine

Kyiv, Ukraine. Russia launched missiles and drones at Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities overnight, injuring more than two dozen people, Ukrainian officials said on Thursday. Damage was reported in eight regions, including to energy infrastructure in the Sumy and Odesa regions.

Overnight barrage

Ukraine’s air force said the attack included Oniks anti-ship cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, four cruise missiles and nearly 160 drones.

The air force did not specify how many ballistic missiles were intercepted or whether any were brought down.

US sanctions bill

The attack came hours after the US House of Representatives on Wednesday passed sweeping sanctions and tariff legislation targeting Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.

The bill, championed by late Senator Lindsey Graham, has been sent to President Donald Trump to sign into law.

Zelenskiy calls for stronger measures

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy welcomed the bill’s passage, describing it and existing measures as an “extremely powerful tool” that could help force Russia to end the war, now entering its fifth year.

“It is symbolic that the US House of Representatives passed the Lindsey Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act on the night of yet another Russian attack on Ukraine with ballistic and other missiles and drones,” Zelenskiy said.

He said stronger sanctions were needed to return Russia to negotiations after US-backed peace talks unravelled earlier this year.

“Sanctions must be strong so that all efforts for peace – including our joint diplomatic efforts with the United States, Europe, and our other friends – can succeed,” Zelenskiy said.

Air defence pressure

Moscow has increased air attacks on Ukraine in recent months, while Ukraine faces shortages of US-designed interceptors used against ballistic missiles.