Extract from ABC News
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says six people are dead after one of Russia's biggest drone attacks of the war so far. (Reuters/State Emergency Service of Ukraine)
In short:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says six people are dead in one of Russia's biggest drone attacks of the war so far.
At least 800 drones were launched by Russia's military.
It came as authorities in Russia's capital Moscow ordered restrictions on the spread of photos of drone attacks.
Russia has launched a massive daytime aerial assault on Ukraine, with Volodymyr Zelenskyy saying six people had died as a result.
The attacks came after a short-lived ceasefire between the two sides to mark the the anniversary of the Soviet defeat of Nazi Germany over the weekend.
The Ukrainian president said the Russian military had launched at least 800 drones through the day on Wednesday, local time.
"My condolences to their families and loved ones. Since midnight, at least 800 Russian drones have already been launched, and the attack is ongoing, with additional drones entering our country's airspace," he wrote in a post on X.
"According to our intelligence, after all the waves of drones, missile launches against Ukraine are also entirely possible.
"Our warriors are defending Ukraine, but Russia's obvious aim is to overload air defense systems and inflict as much grief and pain as possible specifically during these days."
Damage was reported across Ukraine following hours of Russian attacks. (Reuters: Nina Liashonok)
A presidential adviser to Mr Zelenskyy told Reuters Russia's strikes hit Ukrainian railway facilities 23 times through the course of Wednesday.
Slovakia closes Ukrainian border
In his post, Mr Zelenskyy suggested Russia had launched the attacks to coincide with US President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing.
"In this difficult geopolitical moment, Russia is clearly trying to disrupt the overall political atmosphere and draw attention to its evil — seeking to do so at the expense of Ukrainian lives and Ukrainian infrastructure."
On Wednesday afternoon, local time, Poland's military said Russia's attack on Ukraine had concluded for the time being.
At the same time, neighbouring country Slovakia announced it had indefinitely closed its border crossings with Ukraine for security reasons.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy is accusing Russia of acting out of desperation in launching these latest strikes.
Meanwhile, authorities in the Russian capital Moscow announced they were imposing restrictions on the publication of photos of videos showing the aftermath of "terrorist attacks", including drone strikes, according to the Interfax news agency.
Russia launched its invasion on Ukraine in February 2022, more than four years ago, and has conducted near-daily drone and missile attacks in recent years.
Drone deal with Lithuania
Both sides of the war have increasingly embraced drone warfare as the conflict has dragged on.
In recent weeks, Ukraine has used drone technology to target Russian oil infrastructure in a bid to undermine the country's economy.
It has also spruiked its expertise in drone warfare to allies in a bid to shore up support for its war efforts, in a move that has gained particular importance since the outbreak of the Iran war.
In a further sign that Ukraine was emerging as a key player in drone technology, Mr Zelenskyy said Ukraine and Lithuania signed a drone deal on Wednesday.
"A Ukrainian military expert team will work in Lithuania to develop the necessary security capabilities … to counter modern threats and strengthen the security of our countries and the entire region," Zelenskiy said after meeting the Lithuanian president in Bucharest.
"The challenges we face are shared, and we must overcome them together," he added.
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