Russia Intensifies Aerial Attacks on Ukraine in Ongoing Campaign

Photo : Reuters

Russian forces have launched a series of devastating aerial attacks against Ukraine, with missiles, bombs, and drones hitting three regions overnight in a sign of an intensifying campaign. Ukrainian officials are warning that more Western aid is crucial to counter these onslaughts, though concerns grow over the future of foreign support under the newly elected U.S. president, Donald Trump.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine almost three years ago, its military has consistently targeted civilian infrastructure across the country, often using superior air power to inflict maximum damage. According to the United Nations, more than 10,000 Ukrainian civilians have lost their lives as a result of the conflict.

In the eastern city of Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, a 500-kilogram glide bomb struck a high-rise apartment building, causing severe damage in the middle of the night. The blast injured at least 25 people, including an infant, according to Kharkiv’s regional governor, Oleh Syniehubov. Glide bombs, which are nearly impossible for Ukraine to defend against, create massive shockwaves, leaving deep craters and destroying everything in their path.

In the southern port city of Odesa, a Russian drone attack killed one person and wounded nine others overnight. The regional governor, Oleh Kiper, confirmed the casualties, noting that drone strikes have become a major threat in recent months.

Meanwhile, in the capital, Kyiv, debris from intercepted Russian missiles fell in residential areas, injuring four people, according to regional Governor Ruslan Kravchenko. Ukraine's air force reported that it intercepted 62 of the 92 drones and four of the five missiles launched during the night. Additionally, 26 drones were electronically jammed, limiting the effectiveness of the attack.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to call for increased international assistance in the face of these mounting attacks, which have escalated significantly since the summer. "We must act together and decisively at the international level every time Russia tries to destroy our lives,” Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram. “This is the only way to achieve a just peace and stop the deaths of our people.”

The frequency and scale of Russian drone attacks have grown sharply. In October, the Russian military launched nearly 2,000 drones at Ukrainian targets, marking a significant rise compared to previous months. The U.K. Defense Ministry noted that fire rates have been climbing steadily since mid-2023, and the ministry expects these high levels to continue as Russia adapts its strategy for a prolonged conflict.

As Russia’s aerial campaign escalates, Ukrainian officials remain concerned about the unpredictability of Western support, particularly after the election of Donald Trump. While aid continues to flow from European nations and other allies, uncertainty over the incoming U.S. administration's stance on the war in Ukraine is increasing.

Despite these challenges, Ukrainian forces have managed to intercept a substantial number of Russian projectiles, and President Zelenskyy remains resolute in his call for sustained international solidarity. The Ukrainian leader insists that the path to peace lies in coordinated global action and robust support for his country’s defense efforts.