Overview
- Ukraine’s air force, which reported Wednesday night’s barrage involved 659 drones and 44 missiles, said it downed most of the incoming weapons.
- Local officials reported at least 16 people killed and more than 80 wounded nationwide, including nine dead in Odesa and four in Kyiv where a 12-year-old was among the victims.
- Moscow said it aimed at military and energy facilities, while Kyiv counted 26 locations hit as some missiles and drones penetrated air defenses.
- Ukrainian intelligence described the raids as a likely prelude to a broader spring offensive and said about 20,000 more Russian troops were moving to reinforce the front.
- EU Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said a €90 billion support loan should reach Kyiv in the second quarter, and leaders urged tougher sanctions and faster delivery of air-defense systems.