In a series of devastating attacks, Russia launched 11 Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 149 drones at Ukraine overnight, resulting in at least five deaths and 36 injuries as reported by local authorities on February 9. Ukrainian air defenses managed to intercept a substantial portion of these assaults, taking down 116 drones; however, several attacks reached their intended targets across 15 locations. Six areas reported falling debris from intercepted missiles and drones, indicating the intense nature of the ongoing conflict.

Among the affected regions, Donetsk Oblast faced severe consequences with several casualties reported, including the death of one individual and injuries to six others in the city of Kramatorsk due to a Russian strike. In Oleksiievo-Druzhkivka, another person lost their life in a separate attack while another was injured, as highlighted by local Governor Vadym Filashkin. The relentless bombardments also extended to Kharkiv Oblast, where a strike in Bohodukhiv resulted in the deaths of a 41-year-old woman and a 10-year-old boy, with three additional injuries reported. Another attack in the village of Luzhok left an 18-year-old woman and a 73-year-old man injured, further illustrating the pervasive violence affecting civilian lives.

This alarming escalation in hostilities underscores the continuing humanitarian crisis as civilians remain caught in the crossfire of the protracted conflict between Ukraine and Russia. With this latest round of attacks, the toll on human life continues to rise, demanding renewed international attention and response to address the urgent needs of those affected and to seek pathways to peace amidst ongoing warfare.