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Russia Strikes Homes, First Responders, and Cities Overnight, Killing Three

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Photo of Ivan Khomenko
News Writer
Russia Strikes Homes, First Responders, and Cities Overnight, Killing Three
Firefighters operate from an aerial platform during response efforts in Dnipropetrovsk region. (Source: DSNS)

Russia launched a large-scale combined aerial assault on multiple regions of Ukraine overnight on July 25–26, resulting in civilian casualties, widespread fires, and significant infrastructure damage.

The Dnipropetrovsk region was the main target of the attack, which included ballistic and cruise missiles, guided bombs, and more than 200 drones.

According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russian forces launched 208 Shahed-type drones and decoys, along with 27 missiles—comprising 12 Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles, 8 Iskander-K cruise missiles, and 7 guided Kh-59/69 missiles—from various locations including Bryansk, Kursk, Crimea, and the Sea of Azov coast.

Ukrainian air defense units successfully intercepted 183 drones and 17 missiles. However, 10 missiles and 25 drones struck civilian and industrial areas across at least nine locations.

Dnipropetrovsk region: civilian casualties and fires

The heaviest damage was reported in Dnipro and surrounding areas. According to regional officials, three civilians were killed and six others were injured.

One man died in a high-rise building struck by debris. A 21-year-old woman later succumbed to injuries in hospital. Among the wounded are two men in moderate condition.

The attack caused severe damage to residential buildings, industrial enterprises, and a shopping center.

Fires broke out in multiple locations, including a parking lot where vehicles ignited. Over 270 emergency responders and 70 firefighting units were deployed to extinguish the fires and assist with rescue operations.

Burned-out vehicle in Dnipro after Russian overnight strike, July 26, 2025. (Source: Serhii Lysak)
Burned-out vehicle in Dnipro after Russian overnight strike, July 26, 2025. (Source: Serhii Lysak)

The Pokrovska and Marhanets communities were also targeted. Russia used guided bombs and FPV drones to strike these areas, causing additional structural damage and a fire.

Kharkiv under sustained bombardment

In Kharkiv, more than 20 strikes were recorded within three hours. These included guided aerial bombs, ballistic missiles, and Shahed drones.

Cracked windshield of a damaged emergency vehicle in Kharkiv after a Russian strike. (Source: DSNS Kharkiv Region)
Cracked windshield of a damaged emergency vehicle in Kharkiv after a Russian strike. (Source: DSNS Kharkiv Region)

Local authorities reported damage to residential buildings, a civilian enterprise, roads, and the city’s electrical infrastructure. Seven fires broke out in the Kyivskyi district.

Five people were injured, including three State Emergency Service workers who were wounded during a repeated strike while responding to the initial impact.

Three fire-rescue vehicles were damaged during operations. Six civilians, including two children, were evacuated from affected buildings.

Elsewhere in Kharkiv region, the town of Zmiiv was hit by one missile and 10 drones. Three people were injured and hospitalized, and a fire broke out at the impact site.

Other Regions Affected

In Sumy region, the city of Shostka was struck by drones, missiles, and guided bombs. Three residents sustained injuries, and several private and multi-story buildings were damaged.

Fires destroyed at least four homes, and emergency teams were deployed to assist affected populations.

Firefighter battles blaze at a residential building in Sumy region after a Russian strike. (Source: DSNS Sumy Region)
Firefighter battles blaze at a residential building in Sumy region after a Russian strike. (Source: DSNS Sumy Region)

In Zaporizhzhia region, nine Shahed drones targeted multiple districts. A private home was destroyed and non-residential buildings were damaged. Fires were reported in the Zaporizhzhia and Polohy districts, though no injuries were confirmed.

Presidential response

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, describing it as a deliberate escalation. In a statement, he emphasized the need for continued Ukrainian retaliation through long-range drone operations targeting Russian military infrastructure.

“There can be no silence in response to such strikes. Russian military plants, logistics routes, and airfields must experience the consequences of this war,” Zelenskyy stated.

According to the president, Ukrainian long-range drone strikes and daily operations by the Defense Forces remain the primary deterrents against further aggression.

Earlier, a Russian missile strike ignited a fire at Privoz Market — one of Odesa’s oldest and most iconic landmarks. Founded in the 19th century, the market has been a cultural centerpiece for nearly two centuries, known for its vibrant atmosphere, historic architecture, and deep-rooted traditions.

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