Zelenskyy orders response measures after major Russian attack

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has instructed Ukraine’s defence forces and special services to prepare response measures following a large-scale Russian attack.

“I have instructed Ukraine’s defence forces and special services to present possible formats for our response to this strike,” Zelenskyy said in a statement posted on social media.

The President added Russia used a total of 1,567 drones and 56 missiles of various types during large-scale attacks carried out on Wednesday and Thursday. He said Ukrainian air defence systems intercepted 94 per cent of the drones and 73 per cent of the missiles launched.

The death toll from Russia’s overnight attack on Ukraine has risen to seven, while 39 people were injured. At least 20 people are reported missing.

Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat described the assault as one of the most powerful strikes since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.