Russian strikes kill three in Ukraine as Zelenskyy heads to the UN summit, seeking stronger air defence and diplomatic efforts to end the war.
Russian Strikes on Ukraine Kill Three as Zelenskyy Attends UN Summit
Russian forces launched a large overnight barrage against Ukraine, striking industrial facilities and critical energy infrastructure across several regions. Ukrainian officials said at least three people were killed and six others injured in the attacks, while nearly 100,000 consumers temporarily lost access to electricity.
The strikes came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy travelled to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, where discussions over the war in Ukraine and possible steps toward peace are expected to feature prominently.
Russian Attacks Hit Several Ukrainian Regions
The overnight attacks targeted industrial areas in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region, including Dnipro, Pavlohrad and Kryvyi Rih. Regional Governor Oleksandr Hanzha said missiles, drones and artillery caused extensive damage to businesses and warehouse facilities in Dnipro.
According to Hanzha, three people were killed and six were wounded in Dnipro. Several industrial and commercial sites were damaged during the attack.
Ukraine’s air force reported that the Russian barrage included 212 drones and four cruise missiles, along with an unspecified number of Oniks anti-ship missiles and ballistic missiles.
Critical energy infrastructure was also damaged. In the northern Chernihiv region, an attack on a power facility left almost 100,000 consumers without electricity.
In the Poltava region, Governor Vitalii Diakivnych described the Russian assault as a “massive” attack that struck an industrial enterprise and a critical infrastructure facility.
Russia’s Defence Ministry confirmed that its forces had carried out large-scale strikes. It said the targets included industrial and military facilities, fuel and energy infrastructure, port facilities and vessels operating for the Ukrainian military.
Ukrainian Drones Target Russian Region
Ukraine also launched drone attacks against targets inside Russia. The governor of Russia’s Samara region said Ukrainian drones killed one person and injured four others.
Samara, located along the Volga River, is home to strategically important industrial facilities, including oil refineries.
Russia’s Defence Ministry said its air defence forces intercepted and destroyed 297 Ukrainian drones across several Russian regions overnight.
Both sides have continued to use drones and long-range missiles against military, industrial and energy-related targets during the war, with civilian infrastructure also suffering damage.
Zelenskyy Pushes Diplomacy at UN General Assembly
The latest attacks occurred as Zelenskyy arrived in New York for the United Nations General Assembly. Nearly 130 heads of state are expected to attend the gathering, making it a major diplomatic meeting for discussions surrounding the Ukraine war.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine was preparing a “drone deal” aimed at strengthening the country’s air defence capabilities and securing additional financing for its wartime needs.
He said Ukraine’s priority remained bringing peace closer while protecting civilians from further attacks. Zelenskyy also referred to security proposals and de-escalation measures that he said could help move the conflict toward an end.
The Ukrainian president said his schedule included around 20 meetings with international leaders and officials. These meetings were expected to include discussions with the US president, European leaders, members of the US Congress, representatives of international organisations, American businesses and think tanks.
Zelenskyy, Trump and Macron Hold Diplomatic Talks
Zelenskyy met French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday as part of his diplomatic efforts in New York.
Macron had also met US President Donald Trump. Following their meeting, Macron said the United States and France had agreed to work toward a moratorium on attacks against energy networks and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine.
Any agreement limiting strikes on energy infrastructure could have significant implications for civilians, particularly as both Russia and Ukraine have repeatedly targeted energy-related facilities during the conflict.
Zelenskyy is expected to meet Trump as part of his diplomatic programme in New York. The Ukrainian president is also scheduled to meet European leaders, US lawmakers and representatives of international organisations.
Both Zelenskyy and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov are expected to address the United Nations General Assembly later this week.
The diplomatic meetings come amid continued fighting and long-range attacks between Russia and Ukraine. While international leaders continue to discuss possible security guarantees, ceasefire measures and pathways toward peace, attacks on cities, industrial facilities and energy infrastructure remain a major concern for civilians across the region.
