Russia Launches Record 188 Drones in Night Blitz Against Ukraine
Russia Launches Record Drone Attack on Ukraine
Russia has launched 188 drones in a night attack across Ukraine. This is the highest number of drones used in a single strike.
Most drones were intercepted by the Ukrainian air force. However, some apartment buildings and essential infrastructure, like the national power grid, suffered damage. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of casualties in the 17 regions targeted.
The Russian Defense Ministry acknowledged that its forces were hit by U.S.-made ATACMS missiles. President Joe Biden allowed Ukraine to use these longer-range weapons to reach deeper into Russian territory.
Since mid-year, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukrainian civilian areas using drones and missiles. Despite these assaults, Russian forces have maintained control on the battlefield, especially in the eastern Donetsk region, where they have made tactical gains.
Ukraine faces challenges this winter with concerns about electricity supplies due to ongoing attacks. There are also questions about U.S. support following the upcoming presidential transition.
In a recent statement, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that five ATACMS were launched at its air defense systems in the Kursk region. Three missiles were intercepted, while two struck their target, inflicting injuries on servicemen and damaging radar equipment.
On another occasion, eight missiles were launched at the Kursk-Vostochny military air base. Seven were shot down, but one injured two servicemen and caused minor damage. The ministry has indicated preparations for retaliation but provided no further details.
U.S. officials stated that this was the first time ATACMS had been used against targets inside Russia.
As Russian drones flew over Ukraine late Monday, air raid alerts rang out in the Kyiv region for over seven hours. Analysts say Russia aims to intimidate civilians and weaken their resolve in the ongoing conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that each Shahed drone contains 85 foreign components, which Russia acquired despite international sanctions. He called for stronger efforts to enforce sanctions and compel Russia to end the war.