Russian strikes hit Ukrainian apartment block as death toll rises

Russian forces launched a massive missile and drone attack across Ukraine, striking an apartment building in the northern town of Pryluky in the Chernihiv region. The Daily Mail reported that at least 25 people were killed nationwide, while Euronews and Meduza reported that the strikes killed at least 14 people. Earlier coverage from FTMQ News noted a death toll of at least 12 people. [1][2][4][7]

The strike in Pryluky caused a five-storey residential block to collapse. The Daily Mail and FTMQ News both report that nine people died in the Pryluky collapse, including three children. The Daily Mail noted that dozens of residents were injured, while FTMQ News reported that 34 people were wounded in the strike. [1][7]

The Daily Mail reported that Russian forces fired over 70 ballistic missiles and used TU-160 strategic bombers and drones to attack Ukrainian infrastructure. Euronews reported that residents in Kyiv were forced to shelter in subway stations during the overnight barrage. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the destruction of the residential building was meant as a birthday gift to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who turned 74 years old. [1][2][3][4][5]

The attacks targeted energy infrastructure and transport networks across the country. According to Euronews, President Zelensky said the latest strikes demonstrated that Ukraine urgently needs more air defence systems from its foreign allies to protect civilians. [2][7]