RUSSIA launched 188 drones against most regions of Ukraine in a night-time attack, making it a record number in a single attack, Ukrainian authorities said today.

Ukraine’s air force said that most of the drones were intercepted but apartment buildings and critical infrastructure such as the national power grid were damaged.

No casualties were immediately reported in the 17 targeted regions.  

Meanwhile, the Russian Defence Ministry said that its forces destroyed 39 drones over the same night in Russian regions near the border with Ukraine.

Nato’s new secretary-general Mark Rutte said during his visit to Greece that the bloc “needs to go further” to support Ukraine and accused Moscow of dangerously escalating the conflict.

Europe’s Nato members have been discussing plans to boost defence spending for months amid the continuing war and uncertainty surrounding the incoming United States administration under Donald Trump.

Mr Rutte’s visit to Athens was met by several thousands of protesters chanting “Give us money for health and education, not Nato killers” in a rally organised by trade unions.