Russia launched 147 strike drones at Ukraine overnight into 18 March, targeting Kharkiv, Sumy, Odesa, and Chernihiv oblasts, the Ukrainian Air Force reported. At least nine people were injured across multiple locations.
The drones — Shaheds, Gerberas, and Italmas types — were launched from Russian cities including Oryol, Kursk, Bryansk, Millerovo, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk, as well as from Russian-occupied Hvardiyske in Crimea. Of the 147 drones launched, more than 70 were Shaheds. The military said it neutralized 128 of them over northern, southern, and eastern Ukraine. Fifteen drones struck 12 locations, with debris falling at three additional sites.
In Kharkiv Oblast, a drone struck a residential area in the settlement of Zolochiv, Bohodukhiv district, according to Ukraine's State Emergency Service. The strike ignited a fire, destroying structural elements of two private homes. Five people were injured, rescuers reported.
Sumy Oblast came under one of the heaviest ground attacks of the night. The National Police recorded 38 strikes across 26 settlements, with Russian forces deploying guided aerial bombs, multiple rocket launchers, artillery, mortars, and various drones. In Krasnopillia community, a 63-year-old woman and a 65-year-old man were wounded and a private residence was damaged. In Kyrykivka community, Russian forces hit transport infrastructure, an administrative building, and technical equipment. Police investigative teams and explosives specialists were deployed to the scenes.
In Odesa Oblast, Russia struck a critical infrastructure facility, damaging part of its equipment, according to regional head Oleh Kiper. "Fortunately, there were no casualties. The fire that broke out on site was promptly extinguished by rescuers. Work to eliminate the consequences of the attack is ongoing," he said.
In Chernihiv Oblast, a drone hit a locomotive, setting it on fire, the Ministry of Communities and Territories Development reported. The train driver and his assistant were both injured. Relevant services are working at the scene.
The overnight attack coincided with power restrictions introduced across Ukraine on 18 March. State energy company DTEK said Ukrenergo ordered supply limitations for industry in all regions from 16:00 to 21:00. The company cited drone strikes on energy infrastructure, shelling in frontline regions, and reduced solar generation due to overcast skies across most of the country as contributing factors.
