Russian Strikes Kill 3 in Ukraine as Zelenskyy Calls for Western Air Defense Aid

Ukraine's air force says Russia launched 149 drones and 11 ballistic missiles into the country, with 116 drones and some missiles shot down.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 5:31pm

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At least three people in Ukraine were killed in Russian overnight drone and missile strikes, the Interior Ministry in Kyiv reported on Monday, as Moscow continued its nightly long-range bombardment campaign. Ukraine's air force said Russia launched 149 drones and 11 ballistic missiles into the country from Sunday evening into Monday morning, of which 116 drones and an undetermined number of missiles were shot down or suppressed.

Why it matters

The latest attacks highlight the ongoing threat posed by Russia's long-range strikes on Ukraine, which have continued despite recent peace efforts. Zelenskyy has repeatedly called for more Western air defense aid to help protect Ukraine's cities and civilians from these attacks.

The details

A woman and a 10-year-old boy were killed when a Russian drone hit the town of Bogodukhiv, around 35 miles northwest of the city of Kharkiv. Another person was killed by a Russian drone attack on the southern Black Sea port city of Odesa. Nine people were also injured by a Russian strike on a residential area in Shakhtarsk, in the central Dnipropetrovsk region.

  • On Sunday evening into Monday morning, Russia launched 149 drones and 11 ballistic missiles into Ukraine.
  • The latest round of strikes came soon after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy again called for more Western aid to replenish and expand the country's air defense network.

The players

Volodymyr Zelenskyy

The President of Ukraine who has repeatedly called for more Western air defense aid to help protect the country from Russian long-range strikes.

Russia's Defense Ministry

The Russian government agency that said its forces shot down at least 71 Ukrainian drones overnight into Monday morning.

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What they’re saying

“Each of our partners must recognize their strength, their ability to support Ukraine and protect lives. Missiles for air defense are needed every single day. Protection against Russian ballistic attacks is needed every single day. No country in the world should be left alone and without assistance under such strikes and in such a war.”

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Social media)

“We do not have to choose whether we strike a military target or energy. He sells this energy. He sells oil. So is it energy, or is it a military target? Honestly, it's the same thing. He sells oil, takes the money, invests it in weapons. And with those weapons, he kills Ukrainians.”

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (National Aviation University in Kyiv)

What’s next

The U.S. has proposed hosting the next round of trilateral peace talks, likely in Miami, in a week. Zelenskyy said the Ukrainian side has confirmed its participation.

The takeaway

This latest attack underscores the ongoing threat posed by Russia's long-range strikes on Ukraine, which have continued despite recent peace efforts. Zelenskyy's repeated calls for more Western air defense aid highlight the critical need to protect Ukraine's cities and civilians from these attacks.