Russia Fires 400+ Drones and Missiles at Ukraine in Overnight Attack, Cities Hit Nationwide

Russia launched a large-scale combined air attack against Ukraine, deploying hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles in strikes that hit multiple regions, killing civilians and causing widespread damage on March 24.

According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russian forces launched a total of 34 missiles and 392 drones of various types. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted or suppressed 390 aerial targets, including 25 missiles and 365 drones.

Despite the high interception rate, strikes were recorded at 22 locations, while debris from downed drones fell in at least 10 areas.

The attack involved Shahed-type drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles launched from Tu-95MS strategic bombers.

Kyiv was among the targets, with explosions reported in the city and surrounding areas as air defense systems engaged incoming threats. Mayor Vitalii Klitschko said drones were detected over parts of the capital and urged residents to remain in shelters.

In Zaporizhzhia, Russian forces carried out a concentrated strike using six drones followed by five ballistic missiles. Residential neighborhoods and infrastructure were hit, with fires breaking out across the city.

At least 20 apartment buildings, six private homes, and several commercial properties were damaged. A gas station also caught fire. One person was killed, and nine others were injured.

In Poltava and the surrounding region, strikes damaged residential buildings, a hotel, and industrial facilities. Fires broke out but were later contained by emergency services.

Two people were killed, and at least 11 were injured, including a child. Rail traffic was disrupted, with several trains delayed.

In the Kharkiv region, a drone struck a commuter train at a station, hitting the last carriage. A 61-year-old passenger was killed at the scene. The train driver and assistant suffered acute stress reactions.

Russian forces also shelled central Kherson using multiple launch rocket systems. At least two private homes and a garage were destroyed, with additional damage reported in nearby buildings.

One man was killed under the rubble, while two others—a 64-year-old woman and a 65-year-old man—were injured.

In the Dnipropetrovsk region, Russian forces carried out more than 20 attacks using drones and artillery. Ukrainian air defenses shot down 18 drones overnight. One person was reported injured.

Explosions were also reported in the Sumy and Ivano-Frankivsk regions.

Amid the attack, Poland scrambled its own and allied aircraft and placed its air defense systems on high alert, according to the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the strikes caused damage in 11 regions and emphasized the scale of the assault.

“Overall, there were more than 390 attack drones and 34 missiles of various types—ballistic, cruise, and guided aerial missiles. These numbers clearly show that more protection for life is needed from Russian strikes,” Zelenskyy wrote.

“It is important to continue supporting Ukraine. It is important that all agreements on air defense are implemented on time. And it is important that Europe is able to produce the necessary number of air defense missiles to protect against any threats,” he added.

Earlier, reports emerged that a 19-year-old train attendant was killed while evacuating passengers after a Russian drone threat halted a train on Ukraine’s Odesa railway.

The victim was identified as Ilona Vovk, who was struck by an oncoming train during the evacuation.

Another passenger was injured, while passengers and the locomotive crew on the attacked commuter train escaped unharmed after the evacuation was carried out in time, the outlet reported.

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