Russia launches over 500 drones and missiles at Ukraine in massive overnight attack

Russia launched a barrage of more than 500 drones and two dozen missiles at several regions in Ukraine overnight on Wednesday, targeting civilian infrastructure and energy facilities, authorities said.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy added that dozens of residential buildings were damaged across different regions, accusing Russia of "routinely" targeting urban neighbourhoods and civilians.

"These are clearly demonstrative Russian strikes. Putin is showing his impunity," Zelenskyy warned. "And this undoubtedly requires a response from the world. It is only due to the lack of sufficient pressure, primarily on Russia’s war economy, that this aggression continues."

Moscow's escalation of its strikes on Ukraine comes as European leaders continue with efforts to bolster Kyiv's defence, adding momentum to the so far unsuccessful US-led peace efforts.

During her four-day tour of EU states neighbouring Russia, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen mirrored this concern.

"Putin has not changed and will not change. He is a predator," the EC president said, "he can only be kept in check through strong deterrence."

Zelenskyy noted that Kyiv is set to discuss the need for continued pressure with its allies in the coming days.

The Ukrainian leader arrived in Denmark on Tuesday for talks with northern European and Baltic countries about new military aid and further diplomatic support for Ukraine.

He will then travel to France on Wednesday for talks with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, ahead of a meeting on Thursday regarding postwar security guarantees for Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin travelled to China to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and North Korea's Kim Jong-un, both of whom the United States has accused of continuing to support Russia's war efforts.

Meanwhile, UK Defence Secretary John Healey arrived in Kyiv for talks with his Ukrainian counterpart, Denys Shmyhal.

The pair are expected to discuss joint defence projects and "important bilateral decisions that will strengthen the defence capabilities," Shmyhal wrote in a post on Telegram.