Russia launches one of its largest drone attacks on Ukraine this year, killing 16

On 16 April 2026, Russia launched one of its largest drone and missile attacks on Ukraine this year, killing at least 16 people. Death tolls in reports ranged from 12 to 18. Kyiv, Odesa and Dnipro were hit, and Kyiv was struck by ballistic missiles.

In Odesa, 9 people were killed and 23 injured, according to Kyiv Post. The Financial Times described it as the largest air attack this year, and the BBC as the deadliest in months. AP wrote that Ukraine is scrambling to supply air defenses.