In the early hours of 16 October, Russian forces launched a multi-directional air on Ukraine, deploying an Iskander M ballistic missile, five guided aircraft-based missiles, and 12 explosive drones targeting the northern, eastern, and western regions of the country.

During the night, air raid alerts were issued in most Ukrainian regions, except for Odesa Oblast and most western oblasts; some regions experienced multiple alerts.

The Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne reported early morning explosions in Dnipro City and Khmelnetskyi. Poltava and Khmelnytsky oblasts were among the impacted areas, with missile debris damaging several detached homes in Poltava Oblast’s Myrhorod district, according to local authorities.

The Poltava Regional Military Administration’s report indicates three injuries, including a ten-year-old child, with no fatalities.

Ukrainian Air Force says Ukrainian air defense’s proactive response to the air attack resulted in the destruction of two Kh-59 guided air-to-ground missiles and 11 Iranian-made Shahed-136/131 one-way attack drones. Serhii Tiurin, First Deputy Head of the Khelmytskyi oblast Military Administration, acknowledged the efforts of the air defense forces in the region, which prevented further destruction and casualties in Khmelnytskyi.

“Last night, the enemy attacked Khmelnytsky with Shaheds. The air defense forces in the region were actively working. There is no destruction or casualties,” the Administration cited Tiurin’s words on its Telegram channel.

Read also:

• “Our children are gone”: Russian missile strike kills every sixth resident in village
• Russia likely to resume missile attacks on critical infrastructure of Ukraine, says Gen Kyrylo Budanov 
• Russia’s explosive drones target Odesa grain facilities, Kharkiv City, injuring two civilians, Ukrainians down 28/33 UAVs