Russia launched a significant attack on Ukraine, deploying over 650 drones and fifty missiles, which led to widespread destruction and blackouts across the country. The assault resulted in at least two fatalities in Zaporizhzhia and 17 severe injuries, including six children, amidst mounting pressure from the US to cease the conflict.
Communities near the Polish border were targeted in the escalation, prompting Polish warplanes to be on alert in case missiles crossed the border. The attack involved various weapons, including Kinzhal air-launched missiles, ballistic explosives, Kh-101 cruise missiles, and Shahed drones designed for suicide missions.
Alerts sounded throughout Ukraine as air defenses were activated in nearly all regions, resulting in injuries, damaged structures, and fires. While drones struck the capital Kyiv aiming at disrupting civilian comfort, there were no reported fatalities.
Zaporizhzhia endured sustained strikes from numerous drones and missiles, leading to the destruction of an entire apartment building. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged the impacts of the air raids, stating that many threats were neutralized, but some hits were successful.
In Dnipro, ballistic missiles struck overnight, with 22 drones intercepted over the Dnipropetrovsk region. Additionally, regions further west from the front line were unexpectedly targeted in the Russian attacks.
Explosions rocked Ivano-Frankivsk as cruise missiles hit the area, resulting in power outages confirmed by Mayor Ruslan Martsinkiv. The strategic Burshtyn Thermal Power Plant connecting Ukraine’s power grid with neighboring countries was affected, causing disruptions in energy supply.
The ongoing shelling in the Mykolaiv region caused extensive power outages and disrupted rail services. Furthermore, Russian forces targeted energy facilities in the Lviv region near Poland, while the city of Ladyzhyn in the Vinnytsia region was left without heating and water after the strikes.
Poland’s air force responded by dispatching fighter jets and early warning aircraft following Russia’s missile and drone attack. The country’s Armed Forces heightened air defense measures and readiness in response to the escalating conflict, ensuring prompt responses to any potential threats.