Russian Missiles and Drones Kill Civilians in Overnight Attack on Ukraine

Russia launched a major overnight attack on Ukraine on October 17, using ballistic and cruise missiles plus hundreds of drones, killing civilians and damaging residential buildings and energy infrastructure across multiple regions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called it one of Russia's largest attacks on the energy sector, with over 15 critical power facilities targeted. Air defenses shot down 293 of 336 aerial threats, but strikes hit 22 locations, killing at least two civilians and wounding 16 in Slovyansk. The attacks forced emergency power cuts in several regions, with Vinnytsya left without electricity. The barrage came as US President Donald Trump waived nearly all sanctions from a bipartisan law aimed at pressuring Russia, drawing sharp criticism from lawmakers who say it undermines efforts to force Moscow to negotiate.