Russia launched a devastating barrage of missiles and drones overnight, hitting more than half of Ukraine and causing significant casualties and damage. The attacks, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called “vile,” resulted in four deaths and over a dozen injuries and disrupted critical infrastructure. This offensive marks one of the most extensive assaults in recent weeks, demonstrating the escalating conflict in the region.
The Largest Assault in Weeks
The attack began around midnight and persisted through daybreak, involving more than 100 missiles and a similar number of drones. Ukraine’s air force reported that the drones targeted various regions, including the country’s eastern, northern, southern, and central parts. This was followed by a wave of cruise and ballistic missiles, making it Russia’s most extensive onslaught in weeks. President Zelensky emphasized the severity of the attacks, stating, “Like most previous Russian strikes, this one was just as vile, targeting critical civilian infrastructure.”
Widespread Disruption Across Ukraine
The capital city of Kyiv was among the most brutal hit, with explosions disrupting power and water supplies. Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed the impact, indicating the scale of the attack on the nation’s capital. Other regions, such as Kharkiv, Odesa, and the western parts of Ukraine, also reported significant disruptions. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal highlighted the widespread nature of the assault, noting that drones, cruise missiles, and Kinzhal hypersonic missiles targeted 15 regions. He condemned the attacks, saying, “The energy infrastructure has once again become the target of Russian terrorists.”
Civilian Casualties and Infrastructure Damage
The barrage resulted in four deaths, with casualties reported in the cities of Lutsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Zhytomyr, and Zaporizhzhia. At least 13 people were injured in various regions, including Kyiv, Lutsk, Mykolaiv, and Odesa. In addition to the loss of life, the attacks caused extensive damage to civilian infrastructure. Blackouts and destruction of residential buildings were reported from Sumy in the east to Rivne in the west. In Sumy alone, 194 settlements lost power, while another 19 experienced partial blackouts. The private energy company DTEK responded with emergency blackouts, working around the clock to restore power.
Ukraine’s Call for Support and Long-Range Weapons
In response to the attacks, Prime Minister Shmyhal called for support from Ukraine’s allies, urging them to provide long-range weapons. He stressed the need for these weapons to prevent further assaults, stating, “To stop the barbaric shelling of Ukrainian cities, it is necessary to destroy the place from which the Russian missiles are launched.” The call for international assistance highlights the ongoing struggle to defend against Russia’s military might and the critical need for external support.
Global Impact and Regional Response
The effects of the assault were felt beyond Ukraine’s borders. In neighboring Poland, both Polish and NATO air defenses were activated in response to the threat, illustrating the potential for the conflict to escalate further. In Russia, there were reports of a Ukrainian drone attack, resulting in injuries and damage to residential buildings in the Saratov region. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted 22 Ukrainian drones across eight provinces. The escalating drone warfare underscores the growing intensity of the conflict and its implications for regional security.
The recent missile and drone strikes by Russia on Ukraine underline the severity of the ongoing conflict and its impact on civilians and infrastructure. As Ukraine grapples with the aftermath of these attacks, the call for international support becomes ever more urgent. The situation remains volatile, with both sides continuing to engage in military actions, raising concerns about the broader implications for regional and global security. The world watches closely as the conflict unfolds, hoping for a resolution to bring peace to a war-torn region.
