At least 16 people were killed and dozens injured after a wave of Russian drone and missile strikes targeted across Ukraine, hitting Kyiv, Odesa and Dnipro, marking one of the deadliest attacks of the year, officials said.
Al menos 16 muertos en un ataque ruso con 44 misiles y 659 drones por toda Ucrania: “Son crimenes de guerra” https://t.co/wHjSu0ZVhg
— El Confidencial (@elconfidencial) April 16, 2026
Read More: Russian strikes wound 23 across Ukraine
The capital, Kyiv, was among the hardest hit, where fires broke out across several districts following overnight bombardment. Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that four people, including a 12-year-old child, were killed in the city, while dozens more sustained injuries. Emergency crews worked through the night to extinguish blazes and rescue residents trapped in damaged buildings.
In the southern port city of Odesa, nine people were killed and more than 20 injured after strikes hit residential areas and critical infrastructure. Authorities reported significant damage to a high-rise building as well as port facilities.
Russian forces attacked the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and other cities early on April 16, killing three people, including a 12-year-old child, injuring more than 20 and badly damaging buildings, officials said https://t.co/vFARaJGuSh
— Reuters (@Reuters) April 16, 2026
Meanwhile, in Dnipro, at least two people were killed and dozens wounded as missiles struck residential neighborhoods, setting buildings on fire. Additional casualties were reported in surrounding regions, highlighting the widespread impact of the coordinated assault.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the attacks demonstrated that Russia should not benefit from any easing of international pressure. He urged allies to maintain sanctions and deliver promised military and financial support without delay.
Ukraine’s air force said it intercepted a significant number of incoming threats, including dozens of missiles and hundreds of drones, but several still reached their targets. Rescue operations remained ongoing, with officials warning that the death toll could rise.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called on the international community to act swiftly, describing delays in sanctions and aid as “immoral” and dangerous.
Read More: Kyiv hit by massive Russian drone attack
The strikes come amid continued escalation in the conflict, with major cities facing repeated attacks on both civilian areas and key infrastructure.