Russia launched a large-scale overnight assault on Ukraine, with drones and bombs striking 12 regions, including Kyiv and Kharkiv.

Emergency crews battled fires into the early morning, while schools and civilian infrastructure were damaged.

A teacher in Kharkiv said children were safely evacuated to shelters before the attacks.

Russia meanwhile said it intercepted more than 800 Ukrainian drones and missiles.

The latest escalation comes amid tentative discussion of potential trilateral peace talks, though both Moscow and Kyiv signaled little optimism about a breakthrough.