Russia Hits Ukrainian Cities, Cultural Sites in Barrage

Russia launched one of its largest drone and missile attacks on Ukraine overnight, targeting Kyiv and Odesa with over 300 drones—including Iranian-made Shaheds—and several North Korean ballistic missiles. The strikes damaged a maternity hospital, emergency facilities, residential buildings, and cultural sites such as the Odesa Film Studio and Kyiv's Saint Sophia Cathedral. At least two people were killed and several injured in Odesa, where hospital staff and patients were evacuated in time, while Kyiv reported at least one death and several injuries amid widespread fires. Ukrainian officials accused Russia of targeting both civilians and cultural heritage. The attack follows record drone barrages earlier in the week and comes amid stalled peace talks, with prisoner exchanges remaining the only ongoing cooperation. Ukrainian leaders have renewed calls for greater Western military support and tougher sanctions.