Russia Unleashes 100 Missiles, Drones in Overnight Assault on Ukraine

Photo : Reuters

In a brazen and devastating escalation of hostilities, reports emerged from New Delhi confirming Russia's overnight assault on Ukraine. The onslaught, characterized by a combination of missile strikes and drone attacks, saw approximately 100 projectiles raining down on various energy installations across Ukraine, according to officials in Kyiv.

This latest wave of aggression underscores a grim reality of the protracted conflict, with energy infrastructure becoming a prime target. The sustained assault has left a trail of destruction and exacerbated energy shortages, straining Ukraine's air defense capabilities as it grapples to fend off the relentless barrage of drones and missiles.

The Ukrainian Air Force disclosed that the enemy forces launched a staggering 53 missiles of diverse types alongside 47 attack drones. Remarkably, they managed to intercept 35 of the missiles and all but one of the drones, underscoring the resilience of Ukrainian defenses in the face of overwhelming odds.

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The impact of the assault reverberated across the nation, with two thermal power plants bearing the brunt of the attack, as confirmed by the DTEK operator. While specific locations remained undisclosed, the extent of the damage was described as severe, marking the sixth major attack on DTEK thermal power plants since mid-March.

Describing the ordeal as an "extremely difficult night," the company lamented the toll exacted on the Ukrainian energy sector, emphasizing the grave consequences of such targeted strikes.

Ukraine's Energy Minister, German Galushchenko, revealed that the attacks spanned five regions: Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Kirovograd, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Zaporizhzhia, stretching from the eastern frontlines to the western border with the EU. Consequently, the ministry cautioned of potential power restrictions as a direct result of the assaults.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy swiftly condemned Moscow's actions, accusing Russia of capitalizing on the perceived vulnerabilities in Ukraine's air defense infrastructure and the wavering resolve of key Western allies. He reiterated his plea for bolstered support in acquiring vital air defense systems, stressing the imperative of unity and steadfastness in confronting such brazen aggression.

Zelenskyy's impassioned appeal underscored the gravity of the situation, portraying it as a defining moment for global solidarity and resolve. Failure to stand united against such destabilizing actions, he warned, could precipitate dire consequences for the world at large, underscoring the urgent need for collective action in the face of looming threats.