Russia hits Ukraine with ‘massive’ drone, missile attack, Kyiv says
Russia launched a massive air attack on Ukraine overnight into Thursday, with the country’s air force reporting that 614 air attack munitions were launched. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described it as a “massive combined air strike” on targets across the country. The air force stated that 574 drones and 40 missiles were used in the attack, of which 546 drones and 31 missiles were intercepted or suppressed. The strikes hit 11 locations, causing significant damage.
Among the targets was a major American electronics manufacturer in Mukachevo, which suffered serious damage and casualties. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, highlighting that it targeted a civilian enterprise with American investments. He emphasized the need for a strong response and increased pressure on Russia to end the war.
The attack in Mukachevo resulted in at least 15 injuries, according to Ukraine’s National Police. Sybiha clarified that the facility was a civilian site with no military connection. This incident follows previous Russian attacks on American businesses in Ukraine, including strikes on Boeing offices earlier in the year.
In Lviv, one person was killed and three others injured in Russian strikes, according to Mayor Andriy Sadovyi. This attack marked Russia’s largest assault since July 12, deviating from the smaller-scale barrages seen in August. NATO aircraft in Poland were deployed in response to the strikes, with the Swedish Air Force among those mobilized.
Russia claimed to have downed at least 71 Ukrainian drones in the latest attack. The strikes also caused disruptions in Voronezh and Rostov regions, damaging an energy facility and causing delays to rail services. The Novovoronezh Nuclear Power Plant reported a temporary disconnection from the grid, while a fire broke out at an industrial enterprise in Rostov region.
The escalation of violence underscores the urgent need for international intervention to halt the conflict and prevent further civilian casualties. The situation remains volatile, requiring a concerted effort to bring about a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
