Russia fires 500 drones, 24 missiles at Ukraine overnight as Putin visits China

Ukraine’s military reported on Wednesday that Russia carried out one of its largest overnight strikes in months, launching more than 500 drones and missiles across the country. 

According to the Ukrainian air force, Moscow deployed 502 drones and 24 missiles in what it described as a coordinated attack, with most of the strikes aimed at western regions.

Officials in several western oblasts said the barrage damaged homes and civilian infrastructure, leaving multiple people injured. The air force noted that three missiles and 69 drones struck 14 locations, while debris from intercepted projectiles also caused damage on the ground.

The reported assault came as Russian President Vladimir Putin was in China, where he attended a military parade alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to mark the 80th anniversary of World War II.