Kyiv, Ukraine: Russia has launched a massive air assault on Ukraine, marking one of the most intense bombardments in recent months. This extensive attack, involving drones and various types of missiles, has targeted multiple Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Odesa, and Lviv. The assault has resulted in the deaths of at least 16 people and injuries to nearly 100 others, underscoring the urgent need for increased defense capabilities for Ukraine.
The scale of the Russian strikes appears to have overwhelmed Ukraine’s air defenses, with reports indicating that the Ukrainian military managed to shoot down 114 out of 158 missiles and drones, reports Barron. This attack is a stark reminder of Russia’s tactic from last winter, where it targeted infrastructure, particularly energy and heating, plunging millions into hardship.
Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, reported that a metro station being used as a shelter was damaged, and in Kharkiv, a hospital, residential buildings, and an industrial facility were among the sites hit, reported American ABC7Chicago. The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stated that 110 drones and missiles were fired at Ukraine overnight, the highest number in a single night, illustrating the severity of the attack.
This surge in Russian attacks follows a successful Ukrainian strike on a Russian warship in Crimea earlier this week. The Russian military has confirmed that it launched dozens of attacks on Ukraine, claiming that the targets were military facilities. However, the civilian casualties and damage caused by the barrage highlight the indiscriminate nature of these attacks.
The situation in Ukraine is increasingly dire, with the country struggling to secure additional support from its international partners. The US, Ukraine’s biggest single-country donor, has sent more than $40 billion since the launch of the Russian military operation in February 2022. However, political maneuvering in Washington and Brussels has complicated further aid. The European Union is also facing challenges, with Hungary blocking a significant aid package.
In response to the massive barrage, Western allies have reiterated their support for Ukraine. The US ambassador to Kyiv emphasized the need for funding to continue the “fight for freedom”, while the European Union’s foreign policy chief condemned Russia’s targeting of civilians. The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also expressed their continued support for Ukraine.
