Russian strikes kill civilians in Kyiv and Pryluky after attack warning

Kyiv's latest bombardment follows more than a month of attacks by day and night. On October 5, NPR reported that Russian jet-powered drones were targeting bridges, leaving the Ukrainian capital feeling almost like a frontline city.

The targets extend beyond transport. Russian missiles and drones have hit steelworks, shopping centres and factories, according to n-tv.de, cutting into economic revenues that Ukraine needs for its defence.

On October 5, Russian drones attacked Kyiv during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit. The strikes occurred a few kilometres away and minutes before his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, DIE ZEIT reported.

Russian strikes also hit Kharkiv. France24 reported at least six deaths and nearly 60 injuries after a strike on a residential area. By October 6, Le Monde reported the regional governor's broader toll of seven killed and 80 injured, including three children, across Kharkiv and ten other localities since Monday.

Overnight into October 6, Ukraine launched a major drone attack toward Moscow. Franceinfo reported 650 drones, citing the mayor, and one death, citing the regional governor. Al Jazeera reported two deaths and a Russian claim that 290 drones targeted Moscow and nearby regions. The reports differ on both the drone count and the death toll.

On October 6, Zelenskyy said intelligence showed Russia was preparing a massive attack. Ukraine's ability to defend against it depended largely on weapons supplied by allies, The Hindu reported.

Early on October 7, Russian missiles struck Kyiv again. Le Monde reported an initial military assessment of two people killed in the southeastern Darnytsky district. In northern Ukraine, a Russian strike on an apartment building in Pryluky killed at least five people, according to Franceinfo.

The casualty figures remain provisional. Zelenskyy warned that the death toll in Pryluky could rise, Franceinfo reported. ARD Tagesschau reported that Russian missiles, drones and cruise missiles had hit Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.

The attacks also threaten infrastructure as winter approaches. NDTV reported increased Russian strikes targeting energy facilities and rail and road transport.

Germany is warning of risks beyond Ukraine. On October 5, Sky News reported an intelligence chief's warning that Moscow's increasingly aggressive stance toward European nations risked drawing Germany into violent conflict.

The immediate uncertainty is the final toll from the October 7 attacks, particularly in Pryluky, where Zelenskyy warned of further deaths, according to Franceinfo.

Ukraine is also seeking more defensive support. Zelenskyy called for political backing from the United States and Europe and urged countries with the necessary defensive capabilities to help, News18 reported. What allies provide will shape Ukraine's ability to withstand further attacks.