LONDON -- In a harrowing overnight assault, hundreds of Russian attack drones and over two dozen cruise missiles targeted Ukraine, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least two individuals. This attack is part of Moscow's ongoing campaign of nighttime strikes against civilian areas across the nation, according to reports from officials.
The fatalities occurred in Chernivtsi, located in southwestern Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the casualties, stating that the areas affected by the attack ranged from the eastern regions of Kharkiv and Sumy to the western Lviv region. "My condolences to their families and loved ones," Zelenskyy expressed in a statement shared on social media. In addition, around 20 others sustained injuries during the assault and are currently receiving necessary medical assistance.
According to Ukraine's Ministry of Defense, Russia launched a staggering total of at least 597 attack drones and 26 cruise missiles overnight. Ukrainian defense forces successfully intercepted approximately 319 drones and 25 missiles, as noted in a post on the Telegram messaging app. Furthermore, another 258 drones were neutralized through electronic warfare tactics.
In a statement released by Russia's Ministry of Defense, officials claimed that the overnight operations were a coordinated strike using long-range, air-based precision weapons and drones aimed at Ukrainian defense industry targets across multiple cities. The ministry also reported that a military airfield was among the targets struck during this extensive assault.
Recent weeks have seen a significant escalation in Russia's nighttime attacks, with record-breaking numbers of attack drones and missiles being launched at Ukrainian cities. This alarming trend has prompted urgent responses from Ukrainian leadership. "The pace of Russia’s aerial strikes demands swift decisions," Zelenskyy stated on Saturday, urging for immediate sanctions against countries that assist Russia in drone production or purchase Russian oil.
Zelenskyy emphasized the need for enhanced air-defense systems to bolster Ukraine's protection against such relentless assaults. "This war can only be stopped through strength," he asserted. "We expect not just signals from our partners, but actions that will save lives."
Western Ukraine bore the brunt of the latest drone strikes, as highlighted by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, who communicated this information via the Telegram app. "This attack is another reminder to the world that the enemy is not going to stop," he warned, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
