The Sun

www.the-sun.com

RUSSIAN forces launched one of the biggest air attacks of the war so far in Ukraine - leaving at least four dead and dozens wounded.

Swarms of drones and a barrage of missiles were fired across several Ukrainian regions - before turning towards the capital Kyiv.

Nighttime cityscape in Kyiv, Ukraine, illuminated by an explosion during a Russian missile and drone strike. — An explosion of a drone lights up the cityscape during a Russian missile and drone strike in KyivCredit: Reuters

Fire engulfing a residential building in Kyiv following an air attack. — A fire in a residential building following an air attack in KyivCredit: AFP

Dark smoke rises over the skyline of Kyiv, Ukraine. — Smoke rises over Kyiv after Russian drone and missile strikesCredit: Reuters

A Russian drone flying over a city, with a red missile trail in the distance. — A Russian drone flies over the city as Ukrainian servicemen fire towards itCredit: Reuters

Emergency workers operate at an impact site in a residential neighborhood after drone and missile attacks in Kyiv, Ukraine. — A residential neighbourhood in Kyiv was decimated by a Russian strikeCredit: Reuters

Ukraine's military said that Russia had launched 595 drones and 48 missiles overnight and its air defences shot down 568 drones and 43 missiles.

Missiles flew over Kyiv - the worst hit city - as anti-aircraft fire rang out for several hours after the Russian forces launched the blitz.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the attack lasted more than 12 hours and caused widespread damage to a cardiology clinic, factories and residential buildings.

He said the attack had targeted several regions in the north, centre and south, including the southern city of Zaporizhzhia where authorities said at least 16 people had been injured.

Correspondents for the Kyiv Post described the strike as “one of the heaviest they had ever witnessed".

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Russia had launched a "massive" air attack on the country involving hundreds of missiles and drones.

At least four people have been killed - including a 12-year-old girl - amid heavy bombing in the capital city.

Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces said Nato fighter jets were scrambled in response to the unprecedented bombing by the Russians.

The moves were preventive and aimed at securing Polish airspace and protecting citizens, especially in areas close to Ukraine, the forces said.

Authorities said: "Due to the activity of long-range Russian air forces carrying out strikes on Ukrainian territory, Polish and allied air forces have begun operating in our airspace.

"The Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces is monitoring the current situation, and subordinate forces and resources remain ready for immediate response."

Mayor Vitali Klitschko said at least many people had been wounded "as a result of the enemy's attack".

US scramble fighter jets to intercept Russian nuclear bombers off Alaska as EU tells Vlad they will shoot down jets

He said a fire had broken out at a state cardiological hospital as a result of the attack.

Residents fled to metro stations deep underground for safety, sleeping on makeshift beds or sitting on deck chairs following events on their phones.

Several other regions were also hit in the strike, with at least 16 people, including three children, injured in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, authorities said.

Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine's presidential office, accused Moscow of waging a "war against civilians".

An explosion lighting up the cityscape of Kyiv, Ukraine. — An explosion of a drone in KyivCredit: Reuters

Building engulfed in flames at night. — Fire burning in one of the residential homes in ZaporizhzhiaCredit: X

Burning cars and destroyed buildings in the Kyiv region after an air attack. — Destroyed buildings and burning cars at the site of an air attack at an undisclosed location in the Kyiv regionCredit: AFP

Emergency workers at a residential impact site after missile attacks. — Dozens have been wounded in the 'unprecedented' barrageCredit: Reuters

"There will be a response to these actions. But the West's economic blows against Russia must also be stronger," Yermak said.

The attacks came after Russia said it would go to war with the West if Nato acts on the threat to shoot down Moscow's fighter jets.

In recent weeks, several European countries have accused Russia of violating their airspace with drones and fighter jets, in what Nato has viewed as a test of its resolve.

Russia has denied that it is responsible for the incursions or that it plans to attack any Nato country.

Speaking at the 80th UN General Assembly in New York, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said his country had no intention of attacking any Nato or EU member state - but warned of a "decisive response" if any "aggression" was directed towards Moscow.

He said: "Threats of force against Russia, accused of practically planning an attack on the North Atlantic Alliance and the European Union, are becoming increasingly common.

"President Putin has repeatedly debunked such provocations. Russia has never had and does not have such intentions, but any aggression against my country will be met with a decisive response."

Yesterday, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Moscow would not stop with his country and that is why it was testing Europe's air defences with the recent incursions.

"Putin will not wait to finish his war in Ukraine. He will open up some other direction. Nobody knows where. He wants that," Zelensky added.

More to follow... For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos.

Like us on Facebook at TheSunUS and follow us on X at @TheUSSun