Overnight Russian strikes hit Ukrainian cities as political pressure mounts in Kyiv

Russian forces launched widespread missile and drone strikes overnight targeting Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, and Chernihiv, damaging civil infrastructure and power networks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported 13 deaths and 40 injuries from the coordinated attacks, while separate reports cited at least 12 fatalities around the capital. Ukrainian forces retaliated by launching drone strikes toward Moscow.

Domestically, former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov called for national elections, arguing that "democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia" and urging a legal framework for voting during wartime. The political push occurs alongside anti-corruption probes into figures linked to Zelensky’s administration and a parliamentary vote to confirm Yevhenii Khmara as the new defense minister.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, Il Sole 24 Ore, La Repubblica.