Russian forces launched drone attacks against civilian targets across three Ukrainian oblasts overnight on 8 August, according to regional officials.
Ukraine’s Air Force reported about the downing of more than 80 Russian drones during the night, predominantly Shaheds, along with reactive drones and decoys. The attacks represent continued Russian targeting of civilian infrastructure across multiple oblasts, with Sumy Oblast remaining one of the most frequently attacked border areas where shelling, drone attacks, and Russian reconnaissance group infiltration attempts occur regularly.
In Sumy Oblast, Russian forces struck Shostka with attack drones around 1 am, with air defense systems engaging the threats. Multiple Russian drones moved toward the city, followed by explosions as air defenses operated. Witnesses reported hearing characteristic sounds of Iranian kamikaze drones and series of loud explosions in the sky.
Sumy Oblast Governor Oleh Hryhorov said that three Russian drone impacts damaged several multi-story residential buildings, vehicles, and social infrastructure facilities in the Shostka community.
Sumy community also suffered damage, with the local administration confirming no fatalities but reporting destruction and one injury. The attack damaged several non-residential buildings, a store, and a private vehicle. A 54-year-old man was injured, receiving immediate medical assistance on-site and continuing outpatient treatment.
The Kyiv Oblast Military Administration reported that Russian forces attacked settlements in the oblast with drones, specifically targeting the Buchan district.
In Bucha, the assault injured three civilians: women aged 56 and 80, and a 16-year-old teenager, according to the Kyiv Oblast Military Administration. Bucha Mayor Anatoliy Fedoruk confirmed that seven private houses and a kindergarten sustained damage from the Russian night attack.
Fedoruk said that all residents remained alive, with rescuers, utility services, and police immediately providing assistance to affected people.
Russian drone also attacked Odesa Oblast, injuring one person and causing destruction, Governor Oleh Kiper said. The attack damaged a sewage pumping station building, while falling debris from downed drones ignited dry grass in suburban areas before firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze.
“A gas station security guard was injured when the blast wave blew out glass. The man received multiple lacerations on his hand. Medics provided him with all necessary assistance, and the wounded man continues outpatient treatment,” Kiper said.
The Russian military regularly attacks Ukrainian oblasts with various types of weapons, killing civilians and destroying hospitals, schools, kindergartens, energy and water supply facilities.
The Ukrainian authorities and international organisations qualify these strikes as war crimes by the Russian Federation and emphasise that they are of a targeted nature.