Overview
- Following Wednesday's daytime drone swarms, Ukraine said Russia launched one of the war's longest overnight barrages with about 675 drones and 56 missiles.
- In Kyiv, authorities reported at least 21 dead after the strikes, with rescue crews on Friday saying they had recovered 24 bodies from a collapsed apartment block as searches continued.
- The attacks struck more than 20 locations across the capital and reached the far west for the first time in this war, including Uzhhorod, as Slovakia briefly closed crossings on the border.
- Ukraine's air force said it downed 652 drones and 41 missiles, yet officials reported widespread damage to homes, a school and other civilian sites across several regions.
- Global reaction grew as EU leaders condemned the strikes and the nuclear watchdog said over 160 drones were detected near several atomic sites, while Kyiv pressed partners to speed air-defense aid and discussed a drone-production venture with German officials.