In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russian forces have unleashed over 500 drones and missiles in a sweeping assault across Ukraine, primarily focusing on the western regions of the country. Ukrainian officials reported widespread power outages and damage to civilian infrastructure following the large-scale attack, which took place while President Vladimir Putin was attending a visit in China.
Eyewitness accounts from AFP journalists in Kyiv described the harrowing sounds of explosions echoing throughout the capital as Ukrainian air defense systems engaged Russian drones. This aerial attack coincided with a trip by UK Defence Secretary John Healey to Ukraine, aimed at strengthening security cooperation between the two nations.
Vyacheslav Chaus, the head of the northern Chernigiv region, confirmed that approximately 30,000 residents lost access to electricity due to the drone strikes targeting civilian infrastructure. Ukraine’s air force elaborated on the magnitude of the assault, stating that Moscow had launched 502 drones and 24 missiles. The attacks resulted in injuries to several individuals and inflicted damage on residential homes and other civilian facilities.
Reports indicated that the air force documented three missiles and 69 strike drones hitting 14 locations, with debris from downed projectiles scattering across various sites. In the Kirovograd region, officials confirmed that four railway workers sustained injuries as a direct result of the strikes, alongside damage to numerous residential buildings.
Since the onset of its full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has conducted near-nightly drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, contributing to what has become the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II. The recent assault underscores the continuing volatility in the region and raises concerns about civilian safety as the conflict shows no signs of abating.
