7 dead as Russia launches massive missile and drone strikes across Ukraine

Crime Diary, Europe-Asia, International

Lagos, Nigeria (NPA) — March 7, 2026 — At least seven people were killed and more than ten injured as Russia unleashed waves of ballistic missiles and drone swarms against cities across Ukraine overnight, Ukrainian officials said Saturday.

The strikes hit multiple regions, including Kyiv, Khmelnytskyi, Chernivtsi, Zhytomyr, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Vinnytsia, Odesa, Poltava, Sumy, and Cherkasy. In Kharkiv, a residential building was destroyed by a ballistic missile, leaving several people trapped under rubble. Rescue operations are ongoing.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the casualties in a statement, noting that children were among the injured. “Unfortunately, as of now, 7 people have been killed. More than 10 have been injured, including children. People may still be trapped under the rubble. All necessary services are working at the scene,” he said.

According to Zelenskyy, Russia launched 29 missiles — nearly half of them ballistic — and 480 drones, most of them Shahed models, targeting energy infrastructure in Kyiv, Khmelnytskyi, and Chernivtsi, as well as railway facilities in Zhytomyr. Damage was also reported across several other regions.

The president urged Ukraine’s international partners to respond to what he described as “savage strikes against life.” He stressed that Russia has not abandoned its attempts to destroy Ukraine’s residential and critical infrastructure, calling for continued support from allies.

Zelenskyy highlighted ongoing cooperation with the European Union and initiatives such as PURL, aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defences. “We count on active work with the European Union to guarantee greater protection for our people. I am grateful to everyone who helps strengthen our protection,” he added.