Russia Launches Massive Aerial Attack on Ukraine: 120 Missiles and 90 Drones Target Energy Infrastructure
- On November 17, Russia conducted one of its largest aerial attacks on Ukraine.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reported that Russia launched about 120 missiles and 90 drones in this major strike.
- Reports of explosions emerged in Kyiv, Odesa, and Zaporizhzhya.
Russia Launches Major Air Assault on Ukraine
On November 17, Russia conducted one of its largest aerial attacks on Ukraine. Drones and missiles targeted energy infrastructure and civilian sites across multiple cities. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha condemned the attacks, characterizing them as war crimes perpetrated by President Vladimir Putin.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reported that Russia launched about 120 missiles and 90 drones in this major strike. The aim was to damage Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, leading to power outages across the country.
Reports of explosions emerged in Kyiv, Odesa, and Zaporizhzhya. The Ukrainian Energy Minister, Herman Halushchenko, confirmed extensive damage to power facilities, necessitating preventive outages.
The attack occurred as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine neared its 1,000th day. Despite significant resources invested in the war, Russia controls nearly one-fifth of Ukraine. Ukraine seeks to minimize losses and maintain morale while appealing for continued military support from its allies.
The Group of Seven (G7) reiterated its commitment to support Ukraine on November 16. Following Russia’s attacks, Poland scrambled fighter jets in response to increased military activity in western Ukraine.
Zelenskiy noted that Ukrainian defense forces intercepted 140 aerial targets during the assault, which included various missile types and drones.
Earlier that night, a drone strike hit Kyiv, causing a fire on a residential building. Emergency services responded promptly to the incident.
The recent combined drone and missile operation is seen as the most intense in the last three months. Ukraine’s Air Force issued nationwide air raid alerts early in the morning. Halushchenko described the ongoing situation as a massive attack on Ukraine’s energy system.
Damage occurred at thermal power stations belonging to DTEK, the largest private energy provider in Ukraine. Employees are currently working to repair the affected equipment.