Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities killed several civilians and wounded dozens, including overnight attacks in Zaporizhzhia that killed at least two people and an attack on Kryvyi Rih that left at least one person dead. Officials stated the strikes are part of an intensifying campaign relying on ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones to overwhelm air defences and target the power grid to inflict hardship ahead of winter.
Concurrently, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned European governments at the BRICS summit in New Delhi that deploying peacekeeping troops to Ukraine for any future settlement would be treated as direct conflict with Russia. Moscow has repeatedly rejected European leaders’ willingness to contribute to a future peacekeeping force, while Ukrainian officials condemned the strikes as proof that Russia lacks genuine interest in a negotiated end to the war.
Emergency crews worked through the night to fight fires and clear debris, with local authorities warning the death toll could rise. Meanwhile, Kyiv continues to press Western allies for additional air defence systems to counter the escalating missile and drone attacks.