The attack, the third large-scale bombardment in a week, coincided with intense fighting in eastern Ukraine and Russia.

"We're not at war with Russia," a Pentagon spokesperson replied to questions about Ukraine's need for American long-range weapons.

Russian drones, missiles and artillery launched against targets across large areas of Ukraine overnight killed three people and injured 51, regional authorities said.

Ukrainian air defense shot down 15 out of the 23 Shahed-type drones Russia launched at Ukraine, as well as one Kh-59 guided missile, overnight on Sept. 8, the Air Force reported.

Reinforced Ukrainian defenders in a key location on the front have halted what had been relentless Russian advances in eastern Ukraine, according to soldiers and battlefield maps. But Russia continued to advance elsewhere,