Russia launched dozens of drones and missiles against Ukrainian targets, including an overnight drone assault on Kyiv and a fatal daytime strike in Zaporizhzhia following Donald Trump’s historic win in the U.S. presidential election.
Kyiv reportedly faced an eight-hour nighttime bombardment, with drones entering from multiple directions and altitudes in what appeared to be an effort to strain Ukraine’s air defenses, authorities confirmed Thursday. Ukrainian forces intercepted 38 of the 63 drones, but falling debris caused fires and damage to buildings, injuring at least two people, Kyiv’s Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed.
In Zaporizhzhia, five aerial bombs destroyed an apartment building and hit a hospital, killing four and injuring 18 others, including three children. This attack followed nearly daily Russian strikes across Ukraine, using Iranian-made Shahed drones, which have terrorized civilians and increased pressure on Ukrainian defenses.
Zaporizhzhia. Russian forces struck the city with aerial bombs, destroying an ordinary residential apartment building and private homes. The oncology hospital building was damaged. Rescue teams are searching for people under the rubble. Tragically, one death has been confirmed—my… pic.twitter.com/R0Kag5Thi4
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) November 7, 2024
Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia with missiles and aerial bombs.
There were five hits, including residential buildings and a hospital.
At least 5 medical workers were injured, and the patients are being evacuated or transferred to other facilities – local authorities. pic.twitter.com/tsucPcAUmx
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) November 7, 2024
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated calls for additional air defense support from allies, while officials noted that Russian forces appear to be conserving missile reserves by increasing drone use. Elsewhere, damage from Russian strikes was reported in Odesa, Kherson, and Sumy, with power outages reported in Zhytomyr.
The recent U.S. presidential election result has cast uncertainty over future U.S. support for Ukraine. President Trump has previously questioned continued U.S. aid to Ukraine, causing speculation about potential reductions in military assistance. However, Zelenskyy expressed optimism after speaking with Trump, stressing the importance of continued U.S. leadership for stability and peace.
