Russia kills 16 in Kyiv with massive missile and drone barrage

On the night of August 20, 2026, Russia launched a massive aerial attack on Kyiv and its surrounding region in Ukraine, using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones. The attack killed at least 16 people and injured more than 40, damaging residential buildings, a school, a children's hospital, and a kindergarten. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 39 of 44 missiles and most of the 168 drones. The strikes prompted security responses from neighboring Poland, Romania, and Moldova, with drones entering their airspace. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called for more Patriot interceptors, while the EU pledged support for Ukraine's anti-ballistic capabilities. Russia also reported downing 726 Ukrainian drones overnight, highlighting the escalating tit-for-tat aerial warfare.