Russia launched a significant assault on various targets in Ukraine, unleashing numerous missiles and drones that struck energy installations, railway infrastructure, and residential areas. The attacks occurred just before the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion.
Reports from AFP correspondents in Kyiv confirmed a series of explosions beginning around 4:00 am following an air raid warning. The alert was escalated nationwide by the air force due to the missile threat.
In response to the attack, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Russia’s prioritization of military strikes over diplomatic efforts. Zelensky stated on social media that Russia had launched approximately 50 missiles and 300 drones, primarily targeting the energy sector and causing damage to residential buildings and the railway.
Tragically, one person was killed and numerous individuals, including four children, were injured in and around Kyiv, as reported by Ukraine’s national police. AFP witnessed rescue teams searching through the debris of a severely damaged two-story house in Sofiivska Borshchagivka in the Kyiv region.
The capital city, consistently under attack by Russian missiles and drones since the invasion began on February 24, 2022, has experienced a surge in overnight strikes in recent weeks as Russia escalates its winter offensives.
The Russian military claimed a successful mass strike on Ukrainian military facilities, asserting that all designated targets were hit, which is a standard declaration for such operations.
In response to the attacks, vigilance was heightened across Ukraine, extending to the western border. The bombardment, involving both ballistic and cruise missiles, led to power outages in six eastern and southeastern regions, according to Ukraine’s energy ministry.
Poland’s Operational Command reported deploying jets in response to detecting Russian long-range aviation conducting strikes within Ukrainian territory early on the day of the assault.
