Massive Missile and Drone Assault on Ukraine by Russia

Ukraine experienced a massive onslaught overnight into Thursday when Russia unleashed a barrage of 705 missiles and drones on its cities, according to a statement from Ukraine's air force. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the targeting of both civilian areas and essential energy systems nationwide.

The attack consisted of 653 drones and 52 missiles of varying types, as reported by Ukraine's air force. Out of these, 592 drones and 31 missiles were neutralized by Ukrainian defenses, though 16 missiles and 63 drones reached 20 different locations.

This intense assault marked the second largest of its kind since the beginning of the widespread invasion, based on data analyzed from Ukrainian air force records. It trails only behind a similar event that occurred on the night of September 6 to 7, involving 823 drones and missiles.

President Zelenskyy noted that the strikes extended from the capital, Kyiv, to at least nine other regions, covering areas from the southeastern frontlines to the western boundary with Poland.

Complex and Devastating Strikes

In a social media update, Zelenskyy described the operation as a 'complex, combined strike.' Tragically, in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia, a hit on a residential building led to the deaths of at least two individuals and numerous injuries.

Zelenskyy condemned a series of damaging strikes on power facilities and the broader civilian infrastructure across numerous regions. He stressed the importance of mobilized emergency services in those areas and urged for swift restoration of electricity and water supplies wherever they were impacted.

Call for International Action

Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia’s continued acts of aggression constitute a 'terrorist war against life itself.' He argued that such attacks should prompt a strong international response, including heightened sanctions and increased pressure on Russia.

He called upon the United States, European countries, and the Group of Seven (G7) nations to not overlook these egregious acts and urged for expanded measures against Russia's energy sector, financial networks, and supporters of the war.

Russian Counterclaims

On the other hand, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that its forces successfully intercepted 173 Ukrainian drones overnight, highlighting that nine of these were neutralized in the Moscow vicinity, with six targeting the capital itself.