Russia launched a major aerial assault on Ukraine, deploying drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles across at least 15 regions. Ukrainian officials described it as one of the largest attacks since the war began in 2022, with over 127 missiles and 109 drones involved.
The strikes, which lasted more than eight hours, targeted critical civilian infrastructure, including energy sectors and railroads, causing significant damage. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, emphasizing that Russian President Vladimir Putin is only able to act as the world permits.
The assault resulted in numerous casualties, with at least seven people killed and 47 injured, including four children. Additional fatalities occurred later in the day when a missile struck civilian infrastructure in Kryvyi Rih, central Ukraine, killing one woman and injuring four others.
The attacks also led to widespread power outages and disruptions to essential services in multiple regions, including Kyiv, where residents sought shelter in subway stations.
The strikes followed Ukraine’s Independence Day celebrations, during which Russia also targeted infrastructure, causing widespread power outages. The U.S. responded by assisting Ukraine in restoring power, with President Joe Biden condemning the attacks and pledging to support Ukraine by providing energy equipment to repair and strengthen its energy grid. Biden emphasized that Russia would never succeed in breaking the Ukrainian spirit.
The Ukrainian government highlighted Russia’s intention to terrorize the country by targeting its energy infrastructure, particularly as colder weather approaches. Ukrainian engineers worked to restore power across affected regions, while Zelenskyy’s adviser, Andrii Yermak, vowed that Russia’s actions would ultimately lead to the destruction of its own infrastructure.
The White House echoed these sentiments, condemning the attacks as part of Putin’s strategy to weaken Ukraine by targeting its energy infrastructure. National Security Adviser John Kirby pointed out that such tactics are intended to make life difficult for Ukrainians as winter approaches, but reiterated that the U.S. would continue to support Ukraine’s resistance efforts.
Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating that they had successfully hit their designated targets, including critical energy infrastructure that supports Ukraine’s military-industrial complex. The widespread destruction from the strikes, including fires and blackouts, highlighted the severe impact on civilian life and the ongoing challenge of maintaining essential services in the face of such aggression.
