Zelenskyy vows response after Russian attack kills 10
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The gist
Zelenskyy vows response after Russian attack kills 10 in Kharkiv region.
Ukraine's drone strikes on Moscow signal escalating tit-for-tat warfare.
Background
Ukraine launched over 600 drones at Moscow and surrounding areas overnight, continuing massive attacks on targets in Russia after even larger weekend strikes. In response, a Russian strike on the village of Pechenigy in the Kharkiv region killed at least 10 people, according to Ukrainian officials. Zelenskyy has vowed to respond to the attack, while Ukraine's foreign minister accused Putin of 'continuing to drag the war out'.
How it unfolded
- Aug 18, 2026Ukraine launches over 600 drones at Moscow and surrounding areas, with reports of hits on a Wildberries warehouse and other facilities. At least three people injured.
- Aug 18, 2026Russian strike on Pechenigy village in Kharkiv region kills at least 10 people, according to Ukrainian officials.
- Aug 18, 2026Zelenskyy vows Ukraine 'will definitely respond' to the Russian strike, calling for partners to increase pressure on Russia.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Zelenskyy: 'We will definitely respond to this Russian strike.'
- Official
- Ukraine's foreign minister Sybiha says Putin 'continues to drag the war out' with continuing attacks.
Still unverified
Reports that drones hit a Wildberries warehouse are based on Reuters and not independently confirmed.