Russia launches overnight drone attack on Ukraine: major cities report damage to civilian infrastructure

On the night of February 8, an air raid alert was activated in 13 regions of Ukraine. 

A nighttime Russian drone attack damaged civilian infrastructure in Ukraine's major southern and central cities, Rubryka reports, citing local authorities.

Last night, the Ukrainian Air Force warned of the threat of Russian drone attacks. Air raid warnings were declared in 13 regions of Ukraine, and air defense systems were activated.

A night drone attack lasted over five hours over the southern part of Ukraine. The Russian forces directed Shahed-131/136 strike drones from the Black Sea and the temporarily occupied territory of the Kherson region toward three regions.

Explosions in Odesa

Explosions rocked the southern port city of Odesa overnight. The Russian drone attack on the city damaged civilian infrastructure. Fortunately, there were no casualties.

"The enemy drone strike damaged an unfinished multi-story building, breaking windows," said Odesa Regional Military Administration Chief Oleh Kiper. "We also recorded damage to a school building — the roof was punctured, ceilings damaged, and windows shattered."

According to the regional reader, there were no reports of fires. All relevant services are working at the scene. Law enforcement agencies are documenting the consequences of another Russian crime. Air defense successfully downed the majority of targets, Kiper added.

Attack on Mykolaiv

Around half past midnight, the Ukrainian Air Force command detected Russian strike drones moving from the Black Sea and heading toward the southern Mykolaiv region and the north.

Shortly afterward, a series of explosions rocked Mykolaiv. There were at least five explosions in various areas of the city.

Later, Mykolaiv Mayor Oleksandr Sienkevych reported drone attacks.

"We are in contact with the military; we know where the impacts are. I'll report the consequences in the morning. Stay away from windows until then," Sienkevych said.

The Russian forces again targeted civilian infrastructure in Mykolaiv. Chairman of the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration, Vitalii Kim, reported that the drones hit a swimming pool building. According to him, there were no casualties.

At 2:29, the air alarm was lifted in the city and region. The nighttime attack damaged residential buildings, an industrial facility, and a sports and recreation complex.

The State Emergency Service specialists promptly extinguished the fire. There is no information about casualties.

Vinnytsia region

In the central Vinnytsia region, a fire started at one of the infrastructure sites due to the wreckage of downed Russian drones.

The fire has been localized. Firefighters are completing the extinguishing. There were no casualties.

What we know about Russian attack on Ukraine on February 7

On the morning of February 7, Russian forces launched cruise missiles of various types and strike drones over Ukraine. Loud explosions were heard in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Mykolaiv.

The Russian missile and drone attack on the southern city of Mykolaiv destroyed about 40 private houses. One casualty was transported to the hospital and later died in intensive care due to severe mine-blast injuries.

The Russian forces also struck the northeastern city of Kharkiv. At least four strikes hit the Kharkiv region. Impacts were recorded in the Slobidskyi city district, with damage to non-residential infrastructure. At the moment, there are no casualties reported.

On the morning of February 7, a Russian missile hit an industrial facility in the western Lviv region, and firefighters are extinguishing the fire. According to the head of the Lviv Regional State Administration, Maksym Kozytskyi, a fire area is about 300 sq. m. 

In Kyiv's Holosiivskyi district, a residential high-rise caught fire. Debris also struck in the Dniprovskyi district. As of now, a total of 13 residents in the capital are affected, with two reportedly killed.

In Novomoskovsk, Dnipropetrovsk region, a strike occurred at a municipal beautification enterprise.

During the Russian missile attack on Ukraine, air defense downed about 20 missiles near and over Kyiv.

Moreover, on the night of February 7, Ukraine was attacked by Shahed kamikaze drones; the air defense forces downed most of them.

Overall, Russian forces launched a massive attack on Ukraine with 64 missiles of various types and kamikaze drones, with the Ukrainian air defense forces managing to destroy 44 targets.