Last night, Russian forces launched a massive attack on Ukraine, deploying over 100 missiles and around 100 drones.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced the strike, which primarily targeted vital civilian infrastructure in various parts of the country, as heinous.
According to AP News, the assault commenced at midnight and extended beyond daybreak, marking one of Russia's most significant recent offensives against Ukraine. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said the widespread assault affected at least 15 Ukrainian regions, more than half of the country. The attack caused significant damage to Ukraine's energy sector, resulting in emergency power cuts and disruptions to water supplies in several areas, including the capital city of Kyiv.
Extensive Damage And Casualties Reported Across Ukraine
The Russian offensive utilized a variety of weapons, including cruise missiles, hypersonic ballistic Kinzhal missiles, and "Shahed" drones. The assault targeted critical infrastructure, particularly focusing on facilities supporting Ukraine's military-industrial complex, according to a statement from the Russian Defense Ministry.
Ukrainian officials reported casualties in multiple regions. At least four people were killed in separate incidents across the country, with fatalities occurring in Lutsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Zhytomyr, and the partially occupied Zaporizhzhia region. Additionally, thirteen individuals were wounded in various locations, including the Kyiv region, Lutsk, Mykolaiv, and Odesa.
The attack's impact extended beyond human casualties, causing widespread blackouts and damage to civilian infrastructure. In the Sumy region alone, 194 settlements experienced complete power outages, while 19 others faced partial blackouts.
Ukrainian Government's Response And Call For Support
President Zelenskyy expressed his condemnation of the attack, stating:
Like most previous Russian strikes, this one was just as vile, targeting critical civilian infrastructure. Most of our regions — from the Kharkiv region and Kyiv to Odesa and our western regions.
In response to the extensive damage to the energy sector, Prime Minister Shmyhal announced the implementation of emergency power cuts to stabilize the system. He also called on Ukraine's allies to provide long-range weapons and permission to use them on targets within Russian territory.
The Ukrainian government has taken steps to mitigate the impact on civilians by ordering the opening of "points of invincibility" across the country. These shelter-like locations offer people the opportunity to charge devices and obtain refreshments during power outages.
Russian Territory Also Affected By Drone Attacks
While Ukraine grappled with the aftermath of the massive assault, Russian officials reported Ukrainian drone attacks on their territory. The attacks targeted residential areas in the Saratov region, injuring four people in the cities of Saratov and Engels.
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted a total of 22 Ukrainian drones over eight regions, including Saratov and Yaroslavl in central Russia. Additionally, Russian forces reportedly repelled Ukrainian attempts to advance on several settlements in the Kursk region, where Ukraine had recently launched an unexpected incursion.
International Atomic Energy Agency To Inspect Nuclear Plant
The ongoing conflict has raised concerns about the safety of nuclear facilities in the region. In response to the fighting in the Kursk region, International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi announced plans to lead a group inspection of the nuclear power plant there on Tuesday.
The situation remains tense as both sides continue to engage in military operations. The extensive nature of the Russian attack on Ukraine's infrastructure and the subsequent Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian territory underscore the escalating nature of the conflict.
In conclusion, the massive Russian assault on Ukraine, involving over 100 missiles and about 100 drones, has resulted in significant damage to critical infrastructure, particularly in the energy sector. The attack caused multiple casualties and widespread power outages across the country. In response, Ukraine has called for increased support from its allies, including long-range weapons. Meanwhile, Russia has also reported drone attacks on its territory, further intensifying the conflict between the two nations.
