Russia launched at least 800 drones at Ukraine overnight, killing six people, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday. The attack, one of the largest in recent months, targeted energy infrastructure across several regions.
Massive Drone Assault
According to the Ukrainian air force, Russia deployed 800 drones, including Iranian-made Shahed models. Air defenses shot down 600 of them, but the rest struck residential areas and power grids. The strikes caused widespread blackouts in parts of the country.
Casualties and Damage
Zelenskyy reported that six people were killed and 12 injured. The dead included two children. Rescue operations are ongoing. The attacks hit the regions of Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Odesa.
Ukraine's Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said the attacks were aimed at crippling the energy system. Emergency power cuts were implemented in several areas.
International Reaction
World leaders condemned the attack. U.S. President Joe Biden called it a 'brutal act of aggression.' The European Union pledged additional support for Ukraine's air defense.
Zelenskyy reiterated his call for more advanced air defense systems from Western allies. 'We need more protection for our skies,' he said.
Context
Russia has intensified its drone campaign in recent weeks, targeting infrastructure ahead of winter. Ukraine has been urging allies to provide more air defense systems to counter the threat.
