Photo: facebook.com/DSNSKHARKIV
Russia launched a massive overnight attack on Ukraine on January 13, striking Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa and several other cities with drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. The strikes caused large fires, destruction, power outages and casualties across multiple regions.
According to the Air Force of Ukraine, hostile drones were spotted over several regions throughout the night, while air raid sirens were repeatedly declared in Kyiv and other areas. The first wave included ballistic strikes near Kharkiv, followed by missile attacks toward Kyiv and further drone assaults on Kharkiv and Odesa. By morning, around 30 drones were recorded over Ukraine and the threat of ballistic strikes remained for the country’s south and east. After 07:19, cruise missiles were also detected, and Ukrainian air defense was actively engaged.
Key developments
- Russia attacked with drones, ballistic missiles and later cruise missiles.
- A DTEK thermal power plant was hit, with serious equipment damage reported.
- Kyiv and the surrounding region experienced power outages, and emergency shutdowns were introduced in the morning.
- In Kharkiv, a children’s sanatorium was hit and a Nova Poshta logistics terminal near the city was destroyed, resulting in fatalities and injuries.
- In Odesa, residential buildings and social infrastructure, including a hospital and kindergarten, were damaged; six people were injured.
- In Dnipropetrovsk region, homes and infrastructure in Zelenodolsk community were damaged; two people were injured.
- Russian strikes also targeted critical infrastructure in Zhytomyr region, causing fires.
Emergency services reported ongoing firefighting and rescue operations in all affected areas.
This latest attack continues Russia’s campaign against Ukrainian critical infrastructure, particularly energy facilities, which has led to persistent electricity shortages since late 2025.
