From 7:00 AM on 15/4 to 7:00 AM on 16/4, Russian forces launched over 700 missiles and UAVs at major Ukrainian cities.

Russia launched a massive wave of missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks on major Ukrainian cities over 15-16/4, resulting in at least 19 fatalities and over 100 injuries. This coordinated assault marks the deadliest in terms of casualties since the beginning of the year.

Ukrainian officials confirmed that among those killed was a 12-year-old teenager, with casualties reported in Kiev, Dnipropetrovsk, and Odessa. Despite efforts by Ukrainian air defense forces, at least 13 missiles and 20 UAVs penetrated their defenses.

Firefighters extinguish a blaze at a recycling material warehouse hit by a Russian missile on 16/4.

The capital, Kiev, bore the brunt of the ballistic missile attacks. Images from the city show the aftermath, including a recycling material warehouse in Kiev that sustained a direct hit from a Russian missile.

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced on the same day that it conducted a large-scale coordinated attack. The targets included defense enterprises specializing in cruise missile and UAV production, as well as fuel and energy infrastructure supporting the Ukrainian armed forces.

"This action is in response to Ukraine's attacks on civilian targets in Russia. The strike operation achieved its objectives; all targets were hit," the Russian Ministry of Defense stated.

The image shows a Russian Geran-2 UAV striking a building in Kiev.

Key targets of the attack appeared to be the Mayak Defense Plant in Kiev province, which was hit by 7 ballistic missiles, and the Dnepropress Hydraulic Press Plant in Dnipropetrovsk province, struck by 5 ballistic missiles. Other locations attacked included the Bila Tserkva thermal power plant in Kiev, the Cherkasy thermal power plant in the eponymous province, and the container pier at Odessa port. Several unidentified sites in Kirovograd, Kharkov, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia provinces were also targeted.

Residents observe the scene of a UAV attack in Kiev. Ukrainian officials stated that the attacks caused significant damage in residential areas of the capital.

The initial wave of airstrikes concluded at sunrise. However, as rescue teams began clearing debris, air raid sirens sounded again, signaling a second wave of attacks.

Flight paths of Russian missiles and UAVs. Graphics: X/AMK Mapping

Residents reported that the attacks occurred with little prior warning. Serhii, 65, recounted moving to the hallway with his wife just seconds before an explosion in Kiev, after air raid sirens blared. "Everything flew straight at us. Windows, doors, everything else. There was no time to think or do anything," he said.

Vehicles destroyed after missile and UAV attacks targeted Dnipro, 16/4.

Firefighters drink water while on duty at the scene of a UAV attack in Odessa.

The latest attacks come as Ukraine faces a severe shortage of missiles for its Patriot systems. In an interview published by German media on 14/4, President Zelensky stated that the situation "cannot get any worse."

Duc Trung (According to Reuters, RT, Kyiv Independent)

Photos: Reuters